Trick or Treat? How Artificial Sweeteners Affect the Brain and Body

Abstract

Why do sweet things taste so good? Sugar provides our bodies with energy (in the form of calories), which is probably why we have evolved to find it so delicious. Although we need calories, too many can make us gain weight, which can cause weight-related illnesses, like type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Artificial sweeteners were invented to taste like sugar but have almost no calories; the goal was to have a sweetener that we could eat more of without developing diseases or gaining too much weight. However, artificial sweeteners sometimes have negative effects on the body and brain that sugars do not. Our brains, stomach microbes, and pancreases process artificial and real sugars differently-which can cause us to eat more, gain more weight, and have a harder time digesting the real sugars that our bodies need. Artificial sweeteners should be consumed in moderation, because they "trick" our brains and bodies into thinking they are treats-which can sometimes have negative health consequences.