Artificial Sweetener Sucralose May Activate Genes Associated With Fat Production, Inflammation, Research Suggests.

The researchers saw evidence of increased transport of glucose into cells—meaning accumulation of more sugar in the blood— and overexpression of fat-producing genes, compared to samples from subjects who didn’t use the sweeteners. Part of the reason may be that low-calorie sweeteners appear to increase “sweet taste receptors” in abdominal fat, and that allows glucose to enter the cells more readily, the researchers believe. Basically, these receptors are looking for a sweet fix, and low-cal sweeteners—which are often several-fold sweeter than sugar—satisfy that need. Researchers noted that those who regularly consume artificial sweeteners had 2.5-fold higher sweet taste receptor overexpression than those who don’t eat the stuff. As more glucose enters the cells as a result of these receptors, the body absorbs it into the bloodstream, raising blood sugar levels in the body. This process often leads to abdominal fat storage, too. Over time, that can mess with your metabolism, leading to greater fat production. http://www.menshealth.com/weight-loss/artificial-sweetener-and-weight-gain