Data from large , epidemiologic studies support the existence of an association between  artificially-sweetened beverage  consumption and weight gain in children .
Epidemiological data have demonstrated an association between artificial sweetener use and  weight gain .
Evidence of a causal relationship linking artificial sweetener use to weight gain and other metabolic health effects is limited .
However , recent animal studies provide intriguing information that supports an active metabolic role of artificial sweeteners .
This systematic review examines the current literature on  artificial sweetener consumption in children and its health effects .
Effect of Television Viewing at Mealtime on Food Intake After a Glucose Preload in Boys
Television viewing ( TVV ) is considered a contributing factor to the development of childhood obesity yet it is unclear whether obesity results , in part , from increased energy intake during TVV . The objective of this study was to determine the effect of TVV on food intake ( FI ) of boys at a meal and its effect on caloric compensation at the test meal after a premeal glucose drink . On four separate mornings and in r and om order , boys received equally sweetened preloads containing Splenda sucralose or glucose [ 1.0 g/kg body weight ( BW ) ] in 250 mL of water 2 h after a st and ard breakfast . Food intake from a pizza meal was measured 30 min later with or without TVV . Both preload treatment ( p < 0.01 ) and TVV ( p < 0.001 ) affected FI ( kcal ) .  TVV  increased lunchtime FI by an average of 228 kcal . Glucose suppressed FI in the no TVV condition compared with control , but the effect was not statistically significant during TVV .  Body composition and subjective appetite scores were positively associated with FI at the test lunch . In conclusion , TVV while eating a meal contributes to increased energy intake by delaying normal mealtime satiation and reducing satiety signals from previously consumed foods
Data from large , epidemiologic studies support the existence of an association between  artificially-sweetened beverage  consumption and weight gain in children .
Epidemiological data have demonstrated an association between artificial sweetener use and  weight gain .
Evidence of a causal relationship linking artificial sweetener use to weight gain and other metabolic health effects is limited .
However , recent animal studies provide intriguing information that supports an active metabolic role of artificial sweeteners .
This systematic review examines the current literature on  artificial sweetener consumption in children and its health effects .