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Sugar substitutes do not increase the risk of obesity and diabetes mellitus
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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American scientists reviewed studies on the effects of high-fructose syrup and sucrose on metabolism, compared with regular table sugar, and found no significant differences in the metabolism of these products.
The review authors analyzed several randomized prospective studies and concluded that the available evidence shows that consuming sucrose or high-fructose syrup in normal amounts does not lead to weight gain or weight loss, or increase the risk of chronic disease. Consuming the syrup does not make a person more likely to become obese than sucrose or regular sugar.
"There has been a lot of media coverage of the association between high-fructose syrup and the risk of obesity and chronic disease, but scientific research does not support this theory. One recent study found that consuming normal amounts of fructose did not affect weight or lipid levels," says James M. Rippe, one of the review's authors.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control, Americans have been consuming more calories in recent decades, while obesity and diabetes have increased. Consumption of high-fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners has also increased in the past decade.
In the mid-1970s, the average American consumed 2,200 calories a day; in 2008, it was about 2,700 calories, an increase of 22%. At the same time, calorie intake from sugar has decreased from 500 calories in 1999 to 450 today. The calorie content of American food has increased mainly due to fats, flour, and grains.
"High-fructose syrup consumption increased gradually beginning in the 1970s, peaked around 1999, and then began to decline. Despite this, obesity and diabetes rates continue to rise, including in countries where people consume very little or no high-fructose syrup," explains James M. Rippe.
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