Many food items and drinks contain artificial sweeteners. Sucralose, known as Splenda, is a popular artificial sweetener found in diet drinks such as Pepsi One, Diet Rite and Diet Mountain Dew. At zero calories, people consume sucralose to help with their weight-loss efforts. However, a 2018 study by the Endocrine Society indicates it may have the opposite effect. In fact, sucralose consumption showed an increase in fat production and a predisposition to diabetes. The study recently released is expansion of a previous smaller study, which reconfirmed their results: Consuming sucralose can promote metabolic syndrome and predispose people to diabetes, particularly people with obesity.
Metabolic Syndrome is the name for several risk factors including high blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels and abdominal fat. Based on research done on stem cells, sucralose promoted fat accumulation within cells, and as the dose went up, so did the number of cells with fat accumulation. Furthermore, when the fat of individuals with obesity were tested, those who consumed primarily sucralose experienced increased fat-producing genes and increased glucose (sugar) transport into cells.
A better practice is to consume sugar or natural sweeteners in moderation and enjoy your treats when you have them. Chew your food slowly and keep the added sugar to a minimum. When you do have sugar, try to pair it with exercise, such as a walk after dinner. Your body treats sugar differently when you exercise.
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Tricia Hovorka, ACE Certified Health Coach; NASM-CPT, CES; Pn2
References:
Low-calorie sweeteners promote fat accumulation in human fat | Endocrine Society
https://www.livestrong.com/article/190662-what-diet-soft-drinks-have-splenda/
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/aging-walking-after-meals-to-control-blood-sugar-spikes-061213#1