It seems obvious that swapping sugar for zero-calorie sweeteners should help with weight. But in 2023, after reviewing the evidence, the World Health Organization issued a guideline advising against using non-sugar sweeteners (like aspartame, sucralose, and stevia) for weight control. Long-term studies didn't show a lasting benefit for body fat, and observational data hinted at possible links to type 2 diabetes and heart disease with high intake.
This doesn't mean sweeteners are dangerous at normal amounts — regulators still consider them safe to consume. It means they're not a magic weight-loss tool. Reducing overall sweetness and leaning more on water and whole foods is the better long-term play.