Artificial Sweeteners May Lead to Weight Gain

Artificial Sweeteners May Lead to Weight Gain

The use of artificial sweeteners in food and beverages has more than doubled in the past 20 years, and so has the obesity rate. Though it seems counterintuitive, the use of no-calorie sweeteners like saccharin may actually lead to weight gain. A study of rats fed yogurt sweetened with either sugar or saccharin found that the saccharin-fed rats consumed more calories, put on more fat, and gained more weight than their sugar-fed counterparts. Researchers suggest that consuming a sweet tasting food or beverage primes the digestive system for a high-calorie arrival. When the calories do not arrive, the body may become confused and be less able to regulate appetite.

For more information you read the article at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7233459.stm