Sugar substitute for weight loss? WHO says think again

admin 2023年7月6日

Intermediate

Health & Lifestyle, Health & Lifestyle - Intermediate

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

Have you ever tried using other sweeteners aside from sugar? How was the experience?
Do you think people who wish to lose weight should use sugar substitutes? Why or why not?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

evidence /EV-i-duhns/

[noun] – one or more reasons for believing that something is or is not true
The broken window was clear evidence of a break-in at the house.

potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/

[adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions exist
The candidate’s skills and qualifications make them a strong potential candidate for the job position.

consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer /

[noun] – a person who buys goods or services for their own use
The store offered a discount to loyal consumers as a way to appreciate their continued support.

assessment /uh-SES-muhnt /

[noun] – the act of judging or deciding the amount, value, quality, or importance of something, or the judgment or decision that is made
The doctor conducted a thorough assessment of the patient’s symptoms to determine the diagnosis.

extract /EK-strakt/

[noun] – a substance taken from a plant, flower, etc. and used especially in food or medicine
The chef used lemon extract to enhance the flavor of the cake.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised against using sugar substitutes for weight loss. The WHO conducted a review of existing evidence and found that non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) do not offer long-term benefits for reducing body fat. While there may be a slight reduction in body weight in the short term, it is not lasting. The guidance applies to everyone except those with preexisting diabetes. The review also suggests potential harmful effects from long-term use of sugar substitutes, such as a slightly increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The WHO emphasizes that man-made sweeteners are not an effective strategy for weight loss or reducing dietary energy intake.

Non-sugar sweeteners are widely used in prepackaged foods and beverages and are sometimes added directly by consumers. The WHO’s guidance is based on a thorough assessment of the scientific literature and aims to inform policy changes by government health organizations. The recommendation encourages reducing sugar-sweetened drinks and using raw or lightly processed fruit for sweetness instead. The International Sweeteners Association expressed disappointment with the WHO’s conclusions, stating that they are based on low-certainty evidence from observational studies. However, the WHO emphasizes the importance of long-term studies to demonstrate the impact of sweeteners on body weight. The recommendation covers both low- or no-calorie synthetic sweeteners and natural extracts, including stevia and monkfruit.

Comprehension questions

I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.

Does the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend using sugar substitutes for weight loss?
Who are the exceptions to the WHO’s guidance against using sugar substitutes for weight loss?
Are non-sugar sweeteners effective for long-term weight loss, according to the WHO’s review?
What does the WHO recommend as an alternative to sugar substitutes for sweetness?
How does the International Sweeteners Association feel about the WHO’s conclusions?

Discussion questions