Researchers at Purdue University theorize that the sweet taste of artificial sweeteners followed without any calories may increase food cravings. On the other hand sugar does give plenty of calories, but seems to curb food craving.

In their rat study the researchers fed yoghurt to the lab animals. A group of rats was given yoghurt sweetened by sugar, while the other group had saccharin.

Thereafter the rats were allowed to choose from plenty of food. Researchers revealed that the saccharin group ate more food and became obese within a short period.

"Such an outcome may seem counterintuitive, if not an anathema, to human clinical researchers and health care practitioners who have long recommended the use of low- and no-calorie sweeteners as a means of weight control." the researchers led by Susan Swithers and Terry Davidson wrote.

The researchers said the body was primed for an influx of calories after sweet taste. However with artificial sweeteners these calories do not materialize confusing the body and increasing hunger or appetite.

Other sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame could have similar effects, the researchers wrote in the journal Behavioral Neuroscience.

Millions of people have taken to artificial sweeteners in an effort to curb weight gain or even lose unwanted pounds. The above study, although conducted in rats, seems to suggest that using artificial sweeteners may be counter-productive and trigger weight gain instead of controlling it.
 

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