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Common artificial sweetener makes you three times hungrier than sugar

A widely used artificial sweetener increases brain activity in regions involved in appetite, suggesting it makes people hungrier

3 April 2025

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine. — The artificial sweetener sucralose may stoke hunger rather than abate it
Antonio Guillem Fernandez/Alamy

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.

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Artificial sweeteners have become increasingly popular worldwide as awareness around sugar’s health risks grows.…

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