Saccharin Linked to Weight Gain in Rats

Calories in, calories out plus diet and exercise are the keys to losing weight.

But what about the diet drinks and artificial sweeteners?

Sure, they help, too. Or do they?

The sugar substitute, saccharin, was found to slow down the metabolism in rats and even make them gain weight according to a study done at the Ingestive Behavior Research Institute at Purdue University.

The researchers found saccharin raised the rats' appetites and consumption overall.

The findings were published in the February issue of Behavioral Neuroscience.

The major take-home message is that the saccharin sweeteners interfere with the body's normal physiological response to food.

Saccharin products include various soft drinks, tabletop sweeteners, baked goods, jams, chewing gum, canned fruit, candy, dessert toppings and salad dressings.