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Artificial Sweetener Linked to Increased Appetite in Study
A new study published in the journal Nature Metabolism has found that artificial sweeteners, particularly sucralose, can increase appetite and disrupt normal appetite regulation.
The study, led by Dr. Katie Page of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), asked 75 participants to consume one of three drinks: plain water, water sweetened with table sugar, or water sweetened with sucralose.
Additionally, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans revealed increased connections between the hypothalamus and the anterior cingulate cortex, which controls decision-making skills.
“This suggests that sucralose may affect your decision-making skills,” Dr. Page said. “For example, we found increased brain connectivity between the hypothalamus and the anterior cingulate cortex, which controls the risks and rewards of a decision.”
The study also found that sucralose did not affect hormones that signal when we are satisfied and no longer hungry. Instead, it only provided a sweetness signal but without the accompanying hormone response.
While the exact mechanisms behind this effect are still unclear, experts suggest that repeated consumption of artificial sweeteners can lead to changes in the brain’s reward system, making us more prone to overeating or seeking out sweet tastes.
Dr. Kyle Burger, a scientist at the Monell Chemical Senses Center, noted that the study used “repeated measures within the same participants” and included different methods, such as brain imaging and blood draws, to test their hypothesis.
“The study is particularly strong because it used repeated measures within the same participants and included different methods such as brain imaging, blood draws, and subjective ratings to test their hypothesis,” Dr. Burger said.
The findings have important implications for individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance, who may be more susceptible to disruption of normal appetite control with artificial sweeteners.
Experts recommend reducing the overall intake of dietary sweeteners and finding healthier alternatives to satisfy sweet cravings.
What Can You Do?
To manage the body’s reactions to artificial sweeteners, experts suggest: Reducing the overall intake of sugar and sweeteners
Finding hidden sources of sugar in foods that may not be sweetened: Choosing products without added sugars or sweeteners
Teaching taste buds to desire fewer sweets by reducing consumption of sugary foods: By making these changes, individuals can reduce their reliance on artificial sweeteners and develop healthier eating habits.
