
Science Weekly What’s worse for us, sugar or sweeteners?
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Dec 16, 2025 Madeleine Finlay, a science journalist, delves into the contentious debate between sugar and artificial sweeteners. She explains how sugar drives cravings and contributes to various health issues like obesity and diabetes. With insights from experts, she outlines the mixed results from research on sweeteners, revealing both short-term benefits and long-term concerns. The discussion touches on the impact of these substances on gut health and the need for clearer labeling and dietary moderation. In the end, a balanced approach to sweetness is recommended.
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Added Sugars Fuel Poor Health
- Added sugars are widespread in processed foods and drinks and supply extra calories without nutrients.
- Excess intake links to obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and possibly dementia.
Sweeteners Aren't Calorie Mirrors
- Non-sugar sweeteners are vastly sweeter than sugar and provide little or no calories.
- Short randomised trials show modest weight loss but long-term effects remain unclear.
Short Trials Versus Long Cohorts Clash
- Cohort studies link long-term sweetener use with higher weight, diabetes and cardiovascular risk.
- Short trials and long observational studies give conflicting results about harm.

