Modern research laboratories came up with chemical products that are intensely sweet but have few or no calories - artificial sweeteners. Health experts say that artificial sweeteners let diabetics enjoy pop, candy, and even ice cream, without consuming sugar. This is a plus, according to experts, but not a necessity, since most diabetics are allowed some sugar in their diets. Even for weight control, sugar substitutes do not work magic; although their use has increased in the past 20 years, studies show that Americans are becoming increasingly obese. Most studies also show that dieters experience no greater weight loss with the use of artificial sweeteners, possibly because artificially sweetened foods may still be high in fat.
