By increasing hunger, popular sweeteners may contribute to weight gain.
The claim that certain popular sweeteners, particularly sucralose, may increase weight gain by boosting hunger is supported by recent research. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the findings and their implications:
1. Sucralose and Brain Activity
A 2025 study published in Nature Metabolism found that sucralose, a non-caloric artificial sweetener, increases blood flow in the hypothalamus—the brain region regulating hunger—more than sugar or water. This heightened activity suggests stronger hunger signals, potentially leading to overeating 136.
- Mechanism: Sucralose’s sweetness without calories may confuse the brain, which expects energy from sweet tastes. When calories aren’t delivered, the brain may trigger cravings to compensate 38.
- Sex and Weight Differences: Women and individuals with obesity showed stronger hypothalamic responses to sucralose, indicating these groups might be more susceptible to its appetite-stimulating effects 17.
2. Hormonal Impact
Unlike sugar, sucralose does not trigger insulin or glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), hormones that signal fullness. This lack of satiety hormones may prolong hunger after consumption 38.
3. Behavioral Effects
Participants reported feeling hungrier after consuming sucralose compared to sugar, though not versus water. Functional MRI scans also revealed increased connectivity between the hypothalamus and brain regions involved in reward processing (e.g., anterior cingulate cortex), which could intensify food cravings 168.
4. Contradictory Weight-Loss Claims
While artificial sweeteners are marketed as weight-loss aids, observational studies link them to higher BMI over time. For example, a 2023 WHO advisory recommended against using sugar substitutes for weight control, citing insufficient long-term benefits 38. However, some clinical trials show modest weight loss when sugary drinks are replaced with artificially sweetened alternatives, suggesting context matters 25.
5. Expert Recommendations
- Avoid Overreliance: Dr. Katie Page, the study’s lead author, advises reducing overall sweetener intake rather than substituting sugar with sucralose 36.
- Natural Alternatives: Experts like Dr. Susan Spratt recommend water, unsweetened tea, or fruit-infused beverages instead of diet sodas 8.
Key Takeaway
Sucralose may disrupt appetite regulation, especially in women and individuals with obesity, by activating hunger pathways without providing satiating calories. While more research is needed, current evidence suggests caution in using artificial sweeteners for weight management
Reference:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2892765
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