New research indicates that sucralose may be linked to increased hunger and a greater risk of overeating. A study explored how this non-caloric sweetener affects brain signals associated with hunger in comparison to water and sucrose (sugar) among young, healthy adults. The results suggest that sucralose might influence the brain in a way that encourages overeating. This finding is particularly relevant in a country where 1 in 5 adults suffer from obesity.
Various non-caloric sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin are commonly used to reduce calorie intake, but potential health effects are a concern. Researchers from the University of Southern California’s Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute used MRI scans to examine brain blood flow in the hypothalamus after consumption of sucralose, sucrose, or water.
Increased hypothalamic blood flow post-sucralose consumption implies elevated hunger signals. The study points to sucralose potentially triggering intense hunger cues, heightening appetite, and leading to overeating when compared to sucrose and water. These findings were published in Nature Metabolism.
Sucralose, an artificial sweetener, is significantly sweeter than table sugar by weight. The research involved 75 adults from different weight categories (healthy, overweight, obese) in MRI scanning sessions post-consumption of sucralose, sucrose, or water. The hypothalamus, responsible for regulating body functions including hunger, showed increased blood flow post-sucralose ingestion, indicating a stronger hunger response compared to water and sucrose.
Although the group-wide results indicated heightened hypothalamic activity after sucralose consumption, findings varied among weight categories and sexes. While those with healthy weights displayed a more pronounced increase in hypothalamic activity post-sucralose compared to sucrose, individuals in the overweight category did not exhibit significant differences. Participants with obesity showed increased hunger activity after consuming sucralose compared to water but not compared to sucrose.
In conclusion, while sucralose did not significantly impact hunger responses in overweight individuals, the data suggests a potential link between sucralose consumption and heightened hunger signals, particularly for those with obesity.
The study suggests that sucralose may have a significant impact on a large portion of the population, particularly in females who show a stronger brain response to food cues compared to sucrose and water. Researchers observed increased connectivity between certain areas of the brain when sucralose is consumed, potentially intensifying food cravings. Participants reported feeling hungrier after consuming sucralose compared to sugar, indicating that sucralose may not trigger hormones that signal fullness. This finding has implications for individuals using sucralose to reduce calorie intake and manage weight. Medical experts recommend considering the impact of non-caloric sweeteners on hunger and food consumption. Dr. Mir Ali and Eliza Whitaker shared their insights on the study, highlighting the potential effects of sucralose on the brain and appetite regulation. While Dr. Ali suggests minimizing non-caloric sweeteners based on the study findings, Whitaker emphasizes the need for further research before making clinical recommendations.
