Artificial sweetener boosts hunger cues in the brain

People report being hungrier after consuming the artificial sweetener sucralose and experience heightened brain activity in regions involved with appetite. The finding suggests that artificial sweeteners may encourage overeating instead of satisfying our sweet tooth.

Artificial sweeteners have become increasingly popular worldwide as awareness around sugar’s health risks grows. Unlike sugar, these additives sweeten foods and drinks without adding substantial calories. But they may come with their own set of health concerns. Studies in rodents and small numbers of people have shown, for instance,…