In 2025, Sandhya P Chakravartti and colleagues examined 75 young adults in a crossover trial. Sucralose (vs. sugar or water) spiked hypothalamic blood flow by 10-20%, boosted hunger by 15%, and strengthened brain connections for craving and sensing, potentially leading to overeating. Other studies (2022, 2023) showed sucralose alters gut bacteria, increasing glucose intolerance (10-15% worse in mice) and metabolic issues like inflammation.

Globally, added sugar now makes up around 10% of total calories consumed, ranking just behind grains and produce. But while those provide some nourishment, sugar contributes little and harms much. A 2023 Annual Review study warns that sugar—not fat—is driving the chronic disease epidemic. And sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are the worst offenders.