Artificial sweeteners became hugely popular around the same time frame that obesity became an epidemic. Could Saccharin, first introduced to us in the 1950s, be to blame or is it actually one of the best things that happened to dieters?

The answer to that question isn't as definitive as one would like it to be. Studies are conducted but results are often contradictory.

To look at this issue, you need to examine the historical timeline. Saccharin was the first widely used artificial sweetener. It has been in use since 1879 and was extensively used in both world wars because it was cheaper than sugar. Marketed as Sweet and Low, saccharin had a monopoly on low-calorie products until 1983, when Aspartame was added. This was followed in 1999, with the addition of Sucralose.

The production of low-calorie foods and beverages soared as the public became aware of these products. What we didn't realize though, is that while the artificial sweeteners tricked us into thinking that we satisfied our sweet tooth, they may have also confused our internal controls concerning calorie intake and appetite.

One study causing concern was conducted at Purdue University. The study results indicated that rats fed artificial sweeteners actually ate more food and gained more weight than those who ate foods without this substance.

Another disturbing study, conducted at the University of Texas Health Science Center, looked into the effect of diet sodas on weight loss. This study showed that people who drank as little as one soda each day, diet or regular, had a 50% increased risk for metabolic syndrome over a four-year period.

Metabolic syndrome describes an assortment of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are just a few of the more common risk factors that fall into this category. Apparently drinking even one soda a day increased the obesity risk by 41%.

Opponents of this study, particularly The Calorie Control Council, are quick to point out the flaws. This international organization represents the low-calorie and reduced-fat food and beverage industry. They report that the rat sampling was small and that Saccharin is often used as a reward for rats. Further comments include the fact that a study on rats does not necessarily apply to humans, and physical inactivity and large portion sizes were not factored in as possible contributing causes.

The second study received criticism as well from the Calorie Control Council. "Leading health groups agree that low-calorie sweeteners and the products that contain them can help people manage their weight as part of an overall healthy diet, " they reported after pointing out several important studies that showed artificial sweeteners to be very beneficial to weight loss programs. Their criticism included the fact that no definitive conclusions were provided to show why artificial sweeteners would increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. "The researchers did not control for weight gain, which is related to the development of metabolic syndrome, nor did they exclude overweight individuals from the study."

So, you've heard both sides. Are artificial sweeteners wreaking havoc on your diet or are they allowing you to indulge in foods that keep you satisfied? Can we blame them for our obesity epidemic or do we need to examine our sedentary lives? You're going to have to decide for yourself.