New research suggests that sucralose, a widely used artificial sweetener, could increase appetite and contribute to weight gain.
The study, published in the journal Nature Metabolism, utilized brain imaging to compare changes in appetite after participants consumed sucralose, sugar, and water.
In recent years, “zero-calorie” sugar substitutes have gained popularity as consumers become more aware of sugar’s role in weight gain and negative health impacts. These alternatives include sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin.
While these sugar substitutes are low in calories, potentially reducing the risk of weight gain compared to sugar, some studies indicate they may contribute to weight gain through other mechanisms.
Researchers at the University of Southern California’s Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute studied 75 adults aged 18 to 35. They used MRI analysis to investigate how sugar substitutes affect the brain’s appetite center.
The study involved three sessions where participants consumed sucralose, sugar (sucrose), and water.
Using MRI scans before and after drink consumption, researchers observed blood flow to the hypothalamus, the brain region responsible for regulating appetite.
The findings revealed that sucralose significantly increased blood flow to the hypothalamus, surpassing levels observed with both water and sugar. This suggests that consuming sucralose may intensify feelings of hunger in the brain.
When assessing subjective hunger levels, the difference before and after consumption was most pronounced with sucralose.
The research team proposed that sucralose might suppress the release of hormones that promote feelings of fullness, leading to these results.
Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that sucralose, as a sugar substitute, could stimulate appetite and potentially contribute to weight gain.
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