A randomized crossover trial reveals that consuming sucralose, a common non-calorie sweetener, instead of sugar increases activity in the hypothalamus brain region, which regulates appetite and hunger cues. The sweetener also changes how the hypothalamus communicates with other brain parts, such as areas involved in motivation. Researchers at the University of Southern California (USC), US, tested how 75 participants responded after consuming water, a drink with sucralose, or a drink sweetened with regular sugar (sucrose). Compared to a sugar-sweetened beverage, drinking sucralose increased feelings of hunger.
