Artificial Sweeteners: Are They Making Thais Healthier — or Hungrier?
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).