Toronto, Jul 17 (PTI) Use of artificial sweeteners may be associated with weight gain and increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, a study claims. Consumption of artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sucralose and stevia, is widespread and increasing, according to researchers from the University of Manitoba in Canada. The trials did not show a consistent effect of artificial sweeteners on weight loss, researchers said. "We found that data from clinical trials do not clearly support the intended benefits of artificial sweeteners for weight management," Zarychanski said. "Caution is warranted until the long-term health effects of artificial sweeteners are fully characterised," said Assistant Professor Meghan Azad.

Source: India Today July 17, 2017 06:22 UTC