Artificial sweetener found in diet drinks linked to brain changes that increase appetite, study finds
- On March 28, 2025, HealthDay News reported on a study published in Nature Metabolism on March 26, 2025, revealing that the sugar substitute sucralose, found in products like Splenda, may impact hunger and cravings despite having no calories.
- While about 40% of Americans consume sugar substitutes like sucralose to reduce sugar intake, this study suggests that sucralose may confuse the brain because it provides a sweet taste without delivering the expected calories.
- Imaging scans showed that sucralose increased activity in the hypothalamus, a brain region regulating appetite and body weight, and also increased self-reported feelings of hunger compared to a sugary beverage.
- According to Dr. Kathleen Page, director of the University of Southern California Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, "If your body is expecting a calorie because of the sweetness, but doesn't get the calorie it's expecting, that could change the way the brain is primed to crave those substances over time."
- Researchers noted that these effects were strongest in people with obesity and observed that, unlike sugar, sucralose had no effect on hormones like insulin and GLP-1 that regulate blood sugar, suggesting that future research should investigate the long-term effects of these brain and hormone changes on weight, especially in children and teenagers who consume high amounts of sugar and sugar substitutes.
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Dieters warned as sugar substitute shown to hike hunger by 20% increasing risk of overeating
Dieters warned as sugar substitute shown to hike hunger by 20% increasing risk of overeating - A new study has shed light on why artificial sweetener sucralose might increase hunger rather than reduce it
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About 40% of Americans regularly consume sugar substitutes usually as a way to reduce calories or sugar intake. But could these empty calories be tricking your brain to eat more? Scientists are getting a clearer picture.
Sugar substitutes can cause brain changes that increase appetite, study says
A new study has found that a common sugar substitute alters brain activity related to hunger and increases appetite, especially in people with obesity. A co-author of the study shared insights.
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