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 .
Use of 'light' foods and drinks in French adults: biological, anthropometric and nutritional correlates.
BACKGROUND A population of over 12,000 mature subjects participated in a longitudinal study ( 8 years ) of nutrition and health ( the Su . Vi . Max Study ) . In this context , a specific cross-sectional study was carried out in a r and omly selected sub population . AIM To identify anthropometric , nutritional and biochemical correlates of spontaneous use of ' light ' foods and drinks in a free-living population . DESIGN Men ( n = 2299 ) and women ( n = 1979 ) , 45 - 60 years , reported their food intakes over six non-consecutive days . Consumers of low-fat and low-sugar foods and drinks , and artificial sweeteners , were compared with non-consumers . RESULTS Users of low-sugar products were heavier than non-users ; female consumers of low-fat products , but not males , had higher body weight and BMI than non-consumers . Users of low-sugar products had higher triacylglycerols and glycaemia than non-users while biochemical parameters were not different in users and non-users of low-fat products . Use of low-sugar products led to increased diet density of a few micronutrients , including cholesterol . Low-fat product selection was associated with increased intake of most micronutrients , both in absolute value and in density . CONCLUSIONS In mature adults , selection of fat-reduced products was associated with improved quality of the diet , while anthropometric and biological parameters appeared less favourable in consumers of low-sugar products vs. non-consumers . The longitudinal follow-up of the cohort in future years will help determine cause- and -effect relationships among these parameters
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 .