In an unexpected surprise, experts have discovered that sugar-free foods, often marketed as diet-friendly, can actually increase hunger and the likelihood of obesity.
اضافة اعلان
Research has indicated that the common sugar substitutes found in low-calorie sodas, for example, may deceive the brain into thinking it has consumed something sugary, leading to an increase in food consumption.
According to a study published in Nature Metabolism, scientists from the University of Southern California found that consuming a common zero-calorie sweetener boosts the activity of the "hunger centers" in the brain. This confuses the brain and prevents it from anticipating the additional calories that might come with sweetness.
The researchers noted that this discrepancy may trigger an increased desire to eat more, with the effect being stronger in individuals with obesity. In a study involving 75 participants, experts found that those with obesity experienced this effect more intensely.
Dr. Kathleen Alanna Page, an expert in hormones and diabetes and the author of the study, explained that the sweetener causes a "mismatch in the brain," where the body expects calories due to the sweetness but doesn't receive them. Over time, this may alter the brain's readiness to crave such foods.
The study highlights a connection between zero-calorie sweeteners and increased appetite and obesity.
