A new study published in the journal Nature Metabolism has found that consuming artificial sweetener sucralose may increase appetite and hunger. Researchers at the University of Southern California asked 75 people to drink plain water, water with sugar, or water with sucralose on three separate occasions, while undergoing brain scans. The results showed that drinking water with sucralose increased hunger by nearly 20% compared to drinking water with table sugar.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Katie Page, says that sucralose activates the area in the brain responsible for controlling motivation and decision-making skills, rather than affecting hormones that tell us when we’re satisfied or hungry. However, she notes that not everyone may experience this effect equally, particularly those with insulin resistance.
Dr. David Katz, an endocrinologist, agrees that artificial sweeteners should not be relied on as a substitute for sugar, but instead suggests reducing overall intake of dietary sweeteners and teaching taste buds to desire fewer sweets. He recommends identifying hidden sources of sugar in foods and choosing products without added sugars. By doing so, individuals can potentially reduce their daily sugar or sweetener intake by a third or half.
The findings of this study have significant implications for how we approach weight management and diabetes prevention. As artificial sweeteners become increasingly popular, it’s essential to understand their effects on the body and make informed choices about our diets.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/29/health/artificial-sweetener-sucralose-hunger-signals-wellness/index.html