As diet sodas, low-calorie snacks, and “sugar-free” treats line supermarket shelves across Thailand, consumers are turning in increasing numbers to artificial sweeteners in hopes of enjoying sweet flavors without the adverse health effects of sugar. However, a growing wave of scientific research is challenging the widespread belief that artificial sweeteners are a healthier choice, suggesting instead that these calorie-free sugar substitutes may bring their own health risks — including increased appetite, fat accumulation, and potentially heightened risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to a recent exposé published by The Independent and corroborated by the latest global studies (The Independent).
The shift toward using artificial sweeteners — such as aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, and stevia — is not unique to Thailand, but has particular resonance here, where rates of obesity and diabetes have risen sharply over the past decade. Traditionally, sugary beverages and desserts like ชาเย็น (Thai iced tea) and ขนมไทย (traditional sweets) have been staples, but recent public health campaigns urging Thais to “ลดหวาน” (reduce sweetness) have fueled the appetite for sugar alternatives. Yet, as new findings emerge, many are asking: are these artificial solutions solving problems, or simply masking new ones?
What makes the sweetener debate so urgent is the metabolic confusion they may cause. As the original Independent article explains, artificial sweeteners trick the mouth’s sweet sensors, sending a signal to the brain that something high in energy has been consumed. With real sugar, this triggers the dopamine system responsible for feelings of reward — an evolutionary drive to seek out energy. But artificial sweeteners don’t fully activate the dopamine system, creating a disconnect: the body anticipates energy that never arrives, often increasing subsequent hunger. Recent research, including a 2025 study cited in CNN (CNN), found that consuming sucralose — found in many “diet” drinks in Thailand — stimulated increased blood flow to the hypothalamus, the brain’s appetite control center. Participants in these studies reported feeling hungrier within two hours after consuming sweetener-laden drinks.
Some studies suggest this increased appetite translates to real-world weight gain. A 20-year cohort study tracked people who consumed high levels of artificial sweeteners — comparable to three or four cans of diet soda daily — and found almost 70% greater incidence of obesity than in those who consumed minimal amounts (MedicalXpress). Notably, this increased risk wasn’t explained simply by higher calorie intake overall, meaning sweeteners themselves could be shifting how the body processes and stores fat.
The health risks don’t end with weight gain. Other recent studies have linked the frequent consumption of artificially sweetened drinks with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, though experts remain cautious. Given that most artificially sweetened beverages also contain other additives — acids, dyes, and emulsifiers — it’s not always easy to untangle which chemicals are driving increased risk (WebMD; New York Post). Even so, a growing scientific consensus is emerging that routine use of non-sugar sweeteners doesn’t do enough to protect against metabolic disorders and, in some cases, may exacerbate them.
It’s important to note that not all studies point in the same direction. Some trials, especially shorter ones, suggest that replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners can lead to modest reductions in body weight and fat over several months. A 2024 review in the British Medical Journal noted few links between sweeteners and negative health outcomes over periods less than one year, though critics point out the lack of long-term data and the presence of industry funding in much of the research. Systematic reviews, like one highlighted by The Conversation (The Conversation) and PubMed (PubMed), continue to highlight conflicting results, with many advising caution until larger, longer studies can confirm long-term effects.
Thai dietary authorities must also weigh in against a backdrop of significant public health burdens. More than 9 million Thais now live with diabetes, much of it triggered by diets high in refined sugars (Thai Ministry of Public Health). In response, the Thai Food and Drug Administration has allowed the widespread use of FDA-approved sweeteners in both imported and locally-made drinks and food products. Yet, as news spreads of possible adverse metabolic effects, and with the World Health Organization and the UK’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) now urging caution and recommending minimized sweetener intake especially for children (SACN position paper, 2025), it’s clear the “sugar-free” label isn’t always a simple solution.
Thai culture provides unique context for this debate. The tradition of “กินขนมหลังอาหาร” — eating sweets after a meal — persists across generations, with many now turning to “ขนมสุขภาพ” (healthier sweets) marketed as guilt-free alternatives thanks to the use of artificial sweeteners. Yet, as Dr. Jittinun Kulthanan, an endocrinologist at Siriraj Hospital, points out: “We see many patients switching to diet sodas or sugar-free desserts, but they often end up consuming larger portions, believing these foods are ‘safe’. We have to help people understand that ‘no sugar’ does not mean ‘no risk’. Moderation is still the key.”
Nor is the story limited to weight and diabetes. Recent studies have begun to explore how artificial sweeteners affect gut health. Some research points to potential disruptions in the microbiome — the trillions of bacteria living in the human digestive tract — with certain sweeteners causing unfavorable shifts that may affect immune function and digestive health. While much of this evidence comes from animal studies or small human trials, it has sparked a new line of inquiry into the potential unintended consequences of consuming large amounts of non-nutritive sweeteners (PubMed systematic review).
Another area under investigation is the effect of artificial sweeteners on taste preferences, especially among children. Thai parents hoping to reduce childhood sugar consumption have increasingly chosen artificially sweetened yogurts and juices. However, experts warn that sweetened products, whether with sugar or substitutes, may prime young palates to crave intense sweetness, making less-sweet whole foods like fruit less appealing over time (Wikipedia). The SACN review and the World Health Organization both advise limiting sweetener exposure in children until more is understood.
So what’s the bottom line for Thai consumers faced with a confusing food landscape? Most experts urge moderation and mindfulness. While artificial sweeteners — when consumed occasionally and in moderation — are unlikely to cause harm, relying on them as a crutch for unhealthy eating habits may backfire. “The Thai approach of ‘พอดี’ (enough, or balance) is more important now than ever,” says Professor Warangkana Srikampa, a nutritionist at Chulalongkorn University. “We should focus on eating more naturally sweet foods like fruits, and less on highly processed foods, whether they claim to be sugar-free or not.”
Moving forward, what can Thais do to protect their health? First, read labels carefully and be aware of hidden sweeteners in drinks, snacks, and even savory foods. Second, remember that consuming more “sugar-free” products does not necessarily mean consuming fewer calories overall — and may even lead to increased appetite or food intake. Third, for those with diabetes or trying to lose weight, prioritize whole foods, high in fiber and naturally low in sugar, over processed options with “low-calorie” or “diet” marketing claims. Government and industry also have a responsibility, as highlighted by the new SACN recommendations, to clearly label products and support public education on healthy eating habits.
Thailand, with its rich culinary traditions and ongoing modernization, stands at a crossroads. As research continues to evolve, public health messaging must keep pace, helping people make informed, balanced decisions. For now, as both science and Thai wisdom remind us, “ความหวานในชีวิตต้องมีขอบเขต” — sweetness in life, as in food, is best enjoyed in moderation.
Sources:
- The Independent – Are artificial sweeteners bad for you?
- CNN – Sucralose confuses brain, increases hunger
- The Conversation – Current evidence on artificial sweeteners
- MedicalXpress – Artificial sweeteners and health
- WebMD – Artificial sweeteners and diabetes
- New York Post – Zero-calorie sweetener and the brain
- SACN – Statement on non-sugar sweeteners
- PubMed – Systematic review on artificial sweeteners
- Wikipedia – Artificial sweeteners