Emerging research has further strengthened concerns about the effectiveness of low- or no-calorie sweeteners in aiding weight management, with a new study linking sucralose—a common artificial sweetener—to increased appetite.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously cautioned against using non-sugar sweeteners for long-term weight loss, stating that replacing regular sugars with these substitutes does not significantly help in sustained weight control. “Replacing free sugars with non-sugar sweeteners does not help people control their weight for a long term,” noted Dr Francesco Branca, Director of WHO’s Department of Nutrition and Food Safety.
Adding to this discourse, a recent study reported by CNN shows that beverages containing sucralose may trigger hunger signals in the brain rather than suppress them. The lead researcher, Dr Katie Page, an associate professor and director of the Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, explained that sucralose activates brain regions responsible for regulating hunger, resulting in heightened feelings of appetite.
Dr Page highlighted that individuals who consumed water mixed with sucralose experienced an approximately 20% increase in appetite compared to those who drank water sweetened with regular sugar.
Sucralose is widely used in several sugar substitute products. In the United States, it’s a key ingredient in Splenda, while in Europe (labeled E955), it appears in brands such as Candys, Canderel Yellow, Cukren, Nevella, SucraPlus, Sukrana, Zerocal, and others.
The study solely examined the effects of sucralose and did not assess other popular artificial sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame-K, or sodium saccharin.
Dr David Katz, founder of the True Health Initiative and an expert in preventive and lifestyle medicine, who was not involved in the study, praised its methodology. He described it as “a very high-quality study” and remarked that the findings suggest sucralose may disrupt natural appetite regulation, potentially impacting weight management and overall health negatively.
In response, a spokesperson for Heartland Food Products Group—the manufacturer of Splenda—defended the use of sucralose and similar sweeteners. They emphasized that low- and zero-calorie sweeteners are supported by healthcare professionals and food safety organizations for aiding in weight control and managing blood sugar. According to their statement, such sweeteners may help reduce sugar intake, satisfy cravings for sweetness, and maintain a balanced calorie intake.
