A new study suggests that a diet with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) may contribute to unhealthy weight gain.
According to researchers from Princeton University, there are some sweeteners that are worse for people than others. When test rats were given high-fructose corn syrup, it was found that they packed on significantly more weight than rats that were given regular sugar, despite the calories being the same.
“Some people have claimed that high-fructose corn syrup is no different than other sweeteners when it comes to weight gain and obesity, but our results make it clear that this just isnt true, at least under the conditions of our tests,” said psychology professor Bart Hoebel, who specializes in the neuroscience of appetite, weight and sugar addiction.
The study also found that on average, Americans annually consume approximately 60 pounds of sweetener per person.