A recent study has revealed that the artificial sweetener sucralose, commonly found in diet sodas, may contribute to increased appetite, challenging the long-standing belief that these sweeteners help control weight. This new finding adds to the growing body of research suggesting that no-calorie or low-calorie foods and drinks may actually be linked to weight gain.
In May 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning against using non-sugar sweeteners for weight loss. WHO’s Director of Nutrition and Food Safety, Dr. Francesco Branca, stated that “Replacing free sugars with non-sugar sweeteners does not help people control their weight long-term.”
Sucralose Activates Hunger Centers in the Brain
The new study focuses on sucralose, a widely used artificial sweetener, and its impact on the brain. Researchers discovered that sucralose activates the area of the brain that regulates hunger, leading to an increase in appetite.
“Sucralose activates the area in the brain that regulates hunger, and that activation, in turn, is linked to greater ratings of hunger,” explained Dr. Katie Page, lead author of the study and a professor of medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. Dr. Page is also the director of the Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute.
Participants who consumed water with sucralose reported a nearly 20% increase in appetite compared to those who drank water with regular table sugar.
Sucralose Found in Many Diet Products
In the U.S., sucralose is a key ingredient in Splenda sugar substitutes. It is also commonly found in many sugar substitutes in Europe under brand names such as Candys, Canderel Yellow, and Sukrana.
This study specifically examined sucralose and did not evaluate other popular artificial sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame-K, and sodium saccharin.
Expert Opinion on the Study
Dr. David Katz, a specialist in preventive and lifestyle medicine, praised the study’s methodology. Although he was not involved in the research, Katz called it a “very high-quality study” with careful analysis and state-of-the-art methods.
Katz also highlighted the significance of the findings, stating that the results provide strong evidence that “non-caloric sweeteners, and sucralose specifically, interfere with normal appetite regulation in ways that could have adverse effects on weight control and health.”
As diet sodas and sugar substitutes continue to be widely used, this study adds another layer of complexity to understanding their effects on weight and health.
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