Ask Dr. Nandi: Artificial sweeteners may do more harm than good

You may think artificial sweeteners in drinks, candy and processed foods are better because they have zero calories but new research links them to long-term weight gain. 37 studies have been analyzed and included more than 400,000 people. The longer observational studies found increases in body weight, waist circumference and body mass index. And those who had one or more artificially-sweetened drinks a day had higher risks for obesity, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.