ZERO-calorie sweeteners can still lead to diabetes and obesity, according to research.

A study from the United States has found common artificial sweeteners used in zero-calorie drinks and other food products can change how the body processes fat and energy.

Increased awareness of the health consequences of eating too much sugar has led to a dramatic increase in the consumption of zero- calorie artificial sweeteners in recent years.

READ MORE: Drinking more than five and a half pints or glasses of wine a week cuts life expectancy

However, researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Marquette University in the US have found sugar replacements can also have negative effects, after undertaking the largest examination to date of biochemical changes in the body after consumption of sugar or sugar substitutes.

Lead researcher Dr Brian Hoffmann said: “Despite the addition of these non- caloric artificial sweeteners to our everyday diets, there has still been a drastic rise in obesity and diabetes.

“In our studies, both sugar and artificial sweeteners seem to exhibit negative effects linked to obesity and diabetes, albeit through very different mechanisms.”

READ MORE: Drinking more than five and a half pints or glasses of wine a week cuts life expectancy

The researchers said more research is needed to determine whether sugar or artificial sweeteners are worse.

Dr Hoffmann said: “If you chronically consume these foreign substances – as with sugar – the risk of negative health outcomes increases.

“As with other dietary components, I like to tell people moderation is the key if one finds it hard to completely cut something out of their diet.”