[Cynic]

Originally Posted by smoddelm

The researchers noted that the effect may not simply be due to eating more;

"...the body gets confused, which may lead to eating more or expending less energy than normal." Slows the metabolism?


Speculation regarding its effect on eating is nothing new. See many of the links here:

Aspartame Dangers, Side Effects, (Nutrasweet, Equal) FDA, disease poisoning.

You should have sited the whole paragraph:

The researchers said sweet foods may prompt the body to get ready to take in a lot of calories, but when sweetness in the form of artificial sweeteners is not followed by a large amount of calories, the body gets confused, which may lead to eating more or expending less energy than normal.

Words like "may" are no better than "might" or "maybe." They indicate an uncertainty.

It would be wise to avoid labeling artificial sweetners as the devil, just as it's wise to avoid labeling HFCS or sugar alone as the devil. Perhaps the real devil is a lack of self-control.

The jury is still out.