Difficult to say with any accuracy because of all the other things that can randomly fluctuate.
I have heard stuff about sugar (and artificial sweeteners) inhibiting fat loss to some extent but I don't know to what extent or whether it is true or not!
It is definitely much healthier not to have it and, as you say, may help you stop craving sugar.
I am trying to cut back on the artificial sweeteners myself at the moment by swapping mullerlights for fat free natural yogurt, having tea/coffee without sweeteners (trying to have green tea instead - may be slow progres on that though!) etc. Since I have been doing it I do feel that it is easier to stick to plan and like you sweet cravings have become much, much less!