Sugar substitutes can cause brain changes that increase appetite, study says

Sucralose - a widely used sugar substitute - increases activity in the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that regulates appetite and body weight, according to a recent study from the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine.

The study was published in the journal Nature Metabolism.

"What we know from studies in animal models is that they have effects on the brain where the brain is interpreting the signal of sweetness but not getting any nutrient with it," she said.

"And that's kind of confusing the brain and making the animals hungrier. So, we wondered if that same mechanism might happen in humans."

Sucralose increased hunger and activity in the hypothalamus, especially in people with obesity, the study revealed.

It also changed the way the hypothalamus communicates with other brain regions. 

Although it was just a short-term study, Page said, the data was clear that the brain's response to artificial sweeteners differs when compared to sugar or water.

"I don't recommend substituting noncaloric sweeteners for added sugars," Page said - pointing out that the study showed these sugar substitutes "may lead to greater cravings over time."

She suggested that more Americans should "try to wean [themselves] off all these added sweeteners" and stick to eating sugar that is "found naturally in fruits and vegetables."

Fox News Digital reached out to Sweet 'N Low and Splenda for comment. 

Splenda responded with a statement saying that "this small study had several limitations," including sample size and self-reported data.

Splenda's sucralose was not used in the study, but it "has undergone extensive, rigorous reviews by health authorities worldwide," including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a spokesperson for the company told Fox News Digital.

"A wealth of trusted scientific research has consistently confirmed that sucralose does not affect blood glucose or insulin levels and is safe for regular consumption," the statement said.

"Also, numerous studies have found no link between the consumption of sweet-tasting foods or beverages and a long-term preference for sweetness."