More than 144 million adult Americans use low-calorie sweeteners as part of an overall sensible weight-control program. Health professionals agree that the key to losing weight is to burn more calories than are consumed, either by increasing physical activity or consuming fewer calories. Low-calorie sweeteners, such as aspartame, offer a means to control calories, which enables consumers to lose and maintain weight and reduce the risks associated with obesity.

Scientific evidence also supports the weight-loss benefits of aspartame. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that aspartame users lost significantly more weight overall, suggesting that aspartame can be a helpful part of a weight loss and weight maintenance program. see G.L. Blackburn, et. al., "The Effect of Aspartame as Part of a Multidisciplinary Weight-Control Program on Short- and Long-term Control of Body Weight," 65 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 409-418 (1997). Click here to read the study.

In addition, these Harvard researchers concluded that aspartame "is a valuable adjunct to a comprehensive program of balanced diet, exercise and behavior modifications for losing weight."

For people on low-carbohydrate diets, aspartame is an ideal ingredient, as the sweetener itself does not contain any carbohydrates.