Many people, especially women, have a love affair with anything sweet. Thus, when weight management experts calls for abstinence from eating sugary treats to maintain a slender and healthy body, a lot of women find it very difficult to give up on their cravings for anything sweet.
This is the reason why when sugar substitutes became available in the market, women came in droves to try the new sweet sensation back then, thinking that such additives are safe and risk free. Years have passed and many people have come to love almost everything that has sugar substitutes in it. But after several studies, some experts are now questioning whether these sweet additives from heaven are really safe, effective and helpful in losing weight.
According to the Calorie Control Council, over 200 million Americans are consuming products that have sugar-free sweeteners in 2007. This figure is a huge increase from the 70 million in 1987. But despite the rise in the number of people consuming diet and sugar-free goodies, the number of people who are overweight and obese is steadily on the rise.
Although many would argue that the increase in obesity cases cannot be linked to consumption of sugar-free sweeteners, several studies have shown that many people who eat and drink products with sugar substitutes have weight problems. In fact, results from a study conducted by the University Of Texas in 2005 show that each bottle or can of diet soda raised an individual's chance of being overweight by as much as 41percent.
A research headed by Dr Terry Davidson and Dr Susan Swithers, which was published in Behavioral Neuroscience, pinpointed the connection of sugar substitutes and weight gain. In the study, laboratory animals that were fed yogurt that contained saccharin sweetener posted more weight increase than those that were fed yogurt containing glucose, which is a natural form of sugar. Experts believe that the connection between high calorie count and sweet taste has been broken, so the metabolism of lab animals did not accelerate when fed with artificial sweeteners, bringing about overeating and fewer calories burned.
There is still no definitive study that provides solid evidence that artificial sweeteners can actually make a person gain more weight. Furthermore, proponents and manufacturers of these sugar-free goodies still believe that their products are safe and are not the ones responsible for obesity problems in the US or the rest of the world.
Nevertheless, as consumers, people should be more vigilant and critical of the products that are being sold in the market. If in case you are one of the many Americans who are struggling with weight problems, then it would be best to minimize your consumption of sweet sodas and delights, whether sugar-free or not. Just think of it as being on the safe side. You can also follow the tips below to help you lose the excess weight you are carrying.
Eat Right
It is impossible to lose weight naturally without being a little bit choosy about your food. Thus, it is high time for you to increase your consumption of vegetables, nuts, fruits and whole grains. Do not eat too much fried and fast foods too. However, do not deprive yourself of your favorite treats and drinks. Just take note that moderation is the key.
Increase Physical Activities
If you want a more toned look, you cannot skip exercise and weight training. Anyway, being more physically active, as oppose to having a sedentary lifestyle, is so much better for your heart and overall health.
Try Some Weight Loss Supplements
Another effective way to lose weight is by using weight loss pills or supplements. Just make sure that the one that you will be using is all natural and safe. One weight loss product you can try is Zylorin. Know more about Zylorin by visiting http://www.zylorin.com/.
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