"Debunking the Myth: Sweeteners Do Not Boost Appetite, Reveals Latest Study by University of Leeds"

In a world where sugar has long been demonized as the culprit behind the rise in obesity and metabolic diseases, a groundbreaking study has emerged from the University of Leeds, shedding light on the controversial topic of sweeteners and their impact on appetite. The age-old question lingers in the minds of health-conscious individuals: do sweeteners increase our cravings and make us eat more? The answer, as revealed by a meticulously designed randomised controlled trial, says a resounding no.

Led by a team of dedicated researchers, the study delved into the effects of replacing sugar with artificial and natural sweeteners in foods. The results were nothing short of astonishing - consuming foods containing sweeteners led to reductions in appetite sensations and appetite-related hormone responses similar to sugary foods. The additional perk? A decrease in blood sugar levels, a crucial finding for individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The trial, conducted in cooperation with The Rhône-Alpes Research Center for Human Nutrition, marks a significant milestone in the realm of nutrition science. This study, part of the SWEET consortium consisting of 29 European partners, aimed to provide robust evidence on the benefits of sweeteners in reducing sugar intake and improving the nutritional profile of food products. Funded by Horizon Europe, the research sets a new standard in scientific investigation, dispelling doubts about the negative impacts of sweeteners on appetite.

Principal investigators Catherine Gibbons and Graham Finlayson highlighted the importance of sweeteners in the quest to curb sugar consumption and combat obesity-related diseases. The groundbreaking study not only refutes previous claims linking sweeteners to adverse health effects but also emphasizes their role in weight and blood sugar control.

In a first-of-its-kind trial, adult men and women with overweight or obesity were enlisted to consume biscuits containing sugar, natural sweetener Stevia, or artificial sweetener Neotame. The results defied conventional wisdom by demonstrating no differences in appetite or endocrine responses between sweeteners and sugar. However, insulin levels and blood sugar measurements post-consumption exhibited significant reductions, pointing to the potential benefits of sweeteners in managing weight and blood glucose levels.

Professor Anne Raben of the University of Copenhagen hailed the findings as a breakthrough, endorsing sweeteners as a valuable tool for reducing added sugar intake without triggering an increase in appetite or energy consumption. The study's publication in The Lancet eBiomedicine signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding sugar substitutes and their implications for public health and safety.

As the scientific community continues to unravel the complexities of nutrition and metabolic health, the University of Leeds' study stands as a beacon of evidence-based research, guiding individuals towards informed dietary choices. With sweeteners emerging unscathed from the scrutiny of rigorous scientific investigation, a new chapter unfolds in the quest for healthier, balanced lifestyles.

Source: [University of Leeds News Release](https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1039170)