The factors involved in obesity genesis are not conclusive, including the function of diet macronutrients concerning susceptibility of weight gain. Carbohydrate can be considered an important component in satiety. Its substitution for sweeteners decreases the diet caloric value, consequently decreasing body mass. The effects of sweeteners on appetite rely on nature and density of the nutrients that are consumed simultaneously with sweeteners. There are no sufficient evidences showing that sweeteners cause weight gain, but the use of sweeteners may result on energetic compensation with lipid-rich foods. Lipids tend to increase diet energetic density promoting high passive consumption of energy, besides its low oxidative priority, which is associated with low satiety. Lipid substitution has been related to caloric ingestion compensation, mainly for carbohydrates. A disciplined dietetic plan should include foods that decrease diet energetic density without increasing food consumption
macronutrients composition; diet; obesity