The Hidden Truth About Sucralose: How This Artificial Sweetener May Increase Appetite
Artificial sweeteners have long been marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar, helping individuals cut calories and manage weight. However, a growing body of research suggests that certain sugar substitutes, particularly sucralose, may have unintended effects—potentially increasing appetite instead of reducing it. A recent study sheds new light on this phenomenon, explaining why sucralose might be counterproductive for those looking to control their weight.
The Science Behind Sucralose and Appetite Regulation
Sucralose, commonly found in Splenda and other sugar substitutes, is often chosen for its zero-calorie sweetness. It is 600 times sweeter than table sugar, which allows manufacturers to use minuscule amounts to mimic the taste of sugar. However, recent research, led by Dr. Katie Page, an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics at the University of Southern California, suggests that consuming sucralose in drinks may increase appetite instead of suppressing it (Page et al., 2025).
Key Findings From the Study
The study investigated the impact of sucralose on appetite and hunger by analyzing brain activity, blood sugar levels, and self-reported hunger ratings of participants after consuming different beverages:
A drink with table sugar (sucrose)
A drink with sucralose (matching the sweetness level of sucrose)
Plain water as a control group
Results showed that sucralose activated the brain’s hunger centers, leading to a nearly 20% increase in self-reported hunger compared to drinking water with regular sugar (Page et al., 2025). This contradicts the assumption that replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners helps suppress appetite and control calorie intake.
How Does Sucralose Impact the Brain?
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans revealed that sucralose affects the hypothalamus, a brain region responsible for regulating hunger. Participants who consumed sucralose showed increased connectivity between the hypothalamus and the anterior cingulate cortex, which plays a role in decision-making regarding food intake (Page et al., 2025).
Dr. Page noted that sucralose fails to trigger hormones that signal satiety. Unlike natural sugars, which stimulate the release of insulin and other hormones that help regulate hunger, sucralose does not provide this feedback, leading to a false sense of hunger and increased food cravings.
Implications for Weight Management and Public Health
The findings align with a growing body of evidence suggesting that artificial sweeteners do not necessarily aid in weight loss and, in some cases, may even contribute to weight gain. In May 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an advisory stating that non-sugar sweeteners should not be used for weight control (WHO, 2023).
Dr. Francesco Branca, director of the WHO’s Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, stated, “Replacing free sugars with non-sugar sweeteners does not help people control their weight long-term.” The organization highlighted studies showing that artificial sweeteners could increase cravings for sweet-tasting foods, ultimately leading to higher calorie consumption (WHO, 2023).
Are Some People More Affected Than Others?
Interestingly, previous research co-authored by Dr. Page found that women and individuals with obesity are particularly sensitive to the hunger-inducing effects of sucralose. This aligns with animal studies suggesting that artificial sweeteners may disrupt the body’s natural ability to regulate hunger and fullness (Page et al., 2023).
Additionally, people with insulin resistance may experience stronger disruptions in normal appetite control due to artificial sweeteners. This is especially concerning given that many individuals with metabolic disorders use these sweeteners to manage blood sugar levels (Katz, 2024).
What Does This Mean for Artificial Sweetener Consumption?
While sucralose and other artificial sweeteners have been approved for consumption by food safety agencies, including the FDA and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the latest findings suggest that they should be used with caution, particularly by individuals trying to control weight.
Recommendations for Consumers
Reduce Overall Sweetener Intake – Instead of switching from sugar to artificial sweeteners, try reducing overall sweetness in your diet. Over time, taste buds adjust, making naturally sweet foods, such as fruits, more satisfying (Katz, 2024).
Choose Whole Foods – Rather than consuming artificially sweetened products, focus on whole, unprocessed foods that naturally provide a balance of nutrients without excess sugar or artificial substitutes (Branca, 2023).
Monitor Personal Reactions – If you consume artificial sweeteners and notice increased hunger or cravings, consider adjusting your intake. Everyone’s metabolism reacts differently, so personal observation is key (Page et al., 2025).
Hydrate with Natural Options – Instead of diet sodas or artificially sweetened drinks, opt for water, herbal teas, or infusions with natural fruit slices, which can provide subtle sweetness without artificial additives (WHO, 2023).
Should You Stop Using Sucralose?
While the study raises important concerns, it does not suggest that occasional sucralose consumption is harmful. However, for individuals struggling with weight management, insulin resistance, or frequent hunger pangs, reducing reliance on artificial sweeteners may be beneficial.
Dr. Page emphasizes that consumers should not rely on artificial sweeteners as a one-to-one substitute for sugar, but instead aim to reduce their dependence on highly sweetened foods overall.
The Bigger Picture: Rethinking Sugar Alternatives
The assumption that artificial sweeteners aid weight loss has been widely accepted, but emerging research suggests otherwise. Instead of focusing on sugar replacement, experts recommend a more holistic approach—one that prioritizes reducing processed sweeteners altogether, whether natural or artificial.
Dr. David Katz, a specialist in nutrition and public health, suggests that just as people have successfully cut back on salt, they can retrain their taste buds to reduce their preference for sweet flavors. Research shows that gradually reducing sugar intake over time makes naturally sweet foods, like fruit, more palatable while decreasing cravings for highly sweetened foods (Katz, 2024).
Final Thoughts
The latest findings challenge the idea that sucralose and other artificial sweeteners are a simple solution for weight management. Instead of suppressing appetite, sucralose may actually increase hunger signals, leading to unintended overeating.
While more research is needed, consumers should be mindful of their overall sweetener intake and consider alternatives such as reducing added sugar in their diets rather than simply replacing it. Moderation and awareness are key when it comes to making informed dietary choices.
References
Branca, F. (2023). WHO advises against the use of artificial sweeteners for weight control. World Health Organization.
Katz, D. (2024). The impact of artificial sweeteners on taste perception and appetite regulation. Journal of Nutrition & Public Health.
Page, K., et al. (2023). Artificial sweeteners and appetite regulation in women and individuals with obesity. Obesity Journal.
Page, K., et al. (2025). Effects of sucralose on hunger and brain activity: A functional MRI study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
World Health Organization. (2023). Guideline on the use of non-sugar sweeteners. WHO Nutrition & Food Safety Reports.
