Research reveals that the consumption of zero-calorie sweeteners could potentially stimulate hunger.
In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine, it has been found that the calorie-free sweetener sucralose, commonly found in diet drinks, may have a significant impact on appetite and brain activity.
The study, which involved 75 participants, aimed to understand how calorie-free sweeteners affect the body and brain. The participants completed three different trials: one with sucralose, one with sugar, and one with water.
The findings suggest that consuming sucralose could potentially impact eating behaviors or cravings. The body uses hormones like insulin and GLP-1 to signal the brain about consumed calories and decrease hunger. However, sucralose does not have this effect, which could lead to increased calorie intake and weight gain rather than weight loss.
Sucralose increases activity in the hypothalamus compared to drinking water, but has no impact on participants' hunger. This increase in activity stimulates hunger-related neurons and enhances blood flow to appetite centers like the hypothalamus.
The study found that these effects could be more pronounced in certain populations, particularly women and individuals with obesity. The trials included brain scans and blood samples before and after each experiment to monitor these changes.
Regarding long-term effects on children and teens, emerging research indicates that sucralose consumption may affect developmental timing, with potentially important health implications. A study in Taiwan found that consumption of sweeteners including sucralose was significantly associated with a higher risk of earlier puberty onset in adolescents.
While the long-term metabolic and neuro-appetite effects in children and teens are still being studied, the findings raise concerns about the potential impact of sucralose on the developing brain. The brain is vulnerable during the developmental stages of children and teens, making it a critical opportunity to intervene in potential sucralose effects.
Further research will focus on the ways that sucralose affects children and teens, particularly those at risk for obesity. The study serves as a stepping stone in understanding the complex relationship between artificial sweeteners and their impact on the body and brain.
References:
- University of Southern California study, 2025 on sucralose increasing hunger and brain activity related to appetite (https://www.womenshealthnetwork.com/nutrition/sucralose-is-playing-a-trick-on-your-brain/)
- Study on sucralose increasing blood flow to hypothalamus and appetite stimulation, plus obesity correlations (https://www.healthyfood.com/advice/are-artificial-sweeteners-okay-for-our-health-heres-what-the-current-evidence-says/)
- Taiwan Pubertal Longitudinal Study showing associations between sweetener consumption and earlier puberty (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250714052231.htm)
- The study on sucralose conducted by USC's Keck School of Medicine also delves into health-and-wellness areas beyond calorie intake, exploring how artificial sweeteners like sucralose may impact the brain development in children and teens.
- In addition to its potential impact on appetite and brain activity, the research suggests that long-term sucralose consumption could affect fitness-and-exercise routines and nutritional habits by triggering increased calorie intake and weight gain, particularly in certain populations like women and individuals with obesity.
