* Artificial sweeteners do not improve health-and may even be detrimental. Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, do not prevent weight gain, heart disease, and other related health problems, finds a systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 studies that included 406,910 people, with median follow-up ranging from 6 months to 10 years. Participants who used artificial sweeteners were more obese, and were at a higher risk for metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. "Given the widespread and increasing use of nonnutritive sweeteners, caution is warranted until the long-term risks and benefits of these products are fully characterized," write the researchers in the July 17 Canadian Medical Association Journal.