Is that Diet Soda Really Working?

Are you trying to lose weight? Consuming artificial sweeteners may actually be making it harder to control your weight according to researchers.

According to new research by psychologists at Purdue University’s Ingestive Behavior Research Center, rats that were given yogurt with saccharin (Sweet & Low) consumed more calories, put on more body fat, and gained more weight than rats given yogurt sweetened with simple sugar.

It seems that when you eat something sweet, your body and core temperature rev up to prepare for high calorie intake. When the high calories don’t follow the sweet sensation, the body can compensate by consuming more calories to feel the same sense of satisfaction.

Other artificial sweeteners may not be worth it either. Splenda (sucralose) has been blamed for headaches, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, and panic attacks just to name a few. Nutrasweet (aspartame) has been blamed for, among other symptoms, decreased vision, hearing loss, gastrointestinal difficulties, and depression.

Depending upon low-calorie foods made with artificial sweeteners may not be the short-cut many people are looking for. But the good news is that with a little discipline and moderation, you can still consume natural sugar and prevent the weight gain.

Further study is required as these results were based on laboratory rats, but the Center believes studies in humans will find the results to be very similar.

Reference:
Eurekalert