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Substitutes Not All Sweetness and Light

Zero-calorie sugar stand-ins may cause weight gain, study says

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Feb 15, 2008 7:42 PM CST
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(Newser) – Cutting back on sugary calories could make you gain weight instead of lose it, a study suggests. Scientists at Purdue University compared rats fed either zero-calorie saccharin or sugar, and found that those on artificial sweetener gained more weight—mostly in fat, Time reports. Animals appear conditioned to respond to sugar by eating less; when they don't taste it, they eat more.

There's more: Sugar jump-starts the metabolism to ready the body for more calories. Substitutes don’t, so the system remains sluggish, storing incoming calories as fat. While the findings don't extend to people yet, past studies on humans echo these ideas. If they pan out, it could leave dieters weighing the threat of fat versus that of sugar’s known risks, like diabetes.

A doctor studies obesity in rats in this file photo. A recent experiment showed rats that consumed artificial sugar were more likely to gain weight.
A doctor studies obesity in rats in this file photo. A recent experiment showed rats that consumed artificial sugar were more likely to gain weight.   (KRT Photos)
A new study shows that sugar may help the metabolism speed up, aiding in burning calories.
A new study shows that sugar may help the metabolism speed up, aiding in burning calories.   (Associated Press)
A new study shows that sugar may help the metabolism speed up, aiding in burning calories.
A new study shows that sugar may help the metabolism speed up, aiding in burning calories.   (KRT Photos)
Americans' low calorie diet may be to blame for weight loss. A study shows sugar substitutes slow metabolism in rats.
Americans' low calorie diet may be to blame for weight loss. A study shows sugar substitutes slow metabolism in rats.   (Associated Press)
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diabetes • weight loss • medical research • experiments • sugar substitutes • health study • saccharin

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