Sweeteners Help Us to Control our Weight

Overweight and obesity are ever-increasing problems in today’s society. In many countries, more than 50% of the population is now overweight. The implications for health care are enormous. The World Health Organisation, European policy makers and national health authorities are taking wide-ranging measures and have asked the food industry to contribute to the global fight against overweight and obesity.

A combination of a balanced diet, reduced calorie intake and physical activity is necessary to avoid overweight and obesity. Low-calorie sweeteners can help us to reduce our energy intake, without compromising taste and without requiring us to give up our natural desire for a sweetness.

Low-calorie sweeteners give people the opportunity to enjoy a sweet taste without adding any calories to their diet. Low-calorie sweeteners, either as ingredients in foods and drinks or as table-top products, can help people who are seeking to reduce their energy and sugar intake as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Here are typical calorie savings that are available by choosing foods and drinks with low calorie sweeteners:

Calorie Content
Product		Calories (kcal) With sugar Low calorie sweeteners
Carbonated soft drinks Powdered soft drinks Desserts Milk shake mix Fruit yoghurt Table top sweetener Table top sweetener	330 ml 240 ml 240 ml 180 ml 180 g tablets powder	145 86 150 110 207 16 16	2 5 75 50 81 1 2

Substituting low calorie sweeteners for sugar offers an effective, quick and inexpensive means of reducing energy intake. This, coupled with other recognised methods of weight control, such as smaller portions and more physical activity, can begin to make an impact against the problem of obesity and overweight.