Medical Bulletin 23/March/2026

Here are the top medical news for today:

Study Examines Whether Artificial Sweeteners Increase Appetite and Overall Food Intake

A recent study published in Nutrients explored whether sweeteners and sweetness enhancers including non-caloric and low-calorie options, influence appetite regulation and energy intake. These sweeteners are widely used as sugar alternatives because they provide sweetness with little to no calories, yet their effects on hunger and metabolism remain debated.

The study was conducted as part of the European SWEET project at the University of Copenhagen. Researchers examined the short-term effects of an acesulfame potassium and cyclamate blend compared to water. The trial included adults with overweight or obesity who were undergoing weight loss and maintenance phases. Participants were monitored across multiple test days, with appetite sensations measured over six hours using standardized scales.

Findings showed that sweeteners and sweetness enhancers had no clinically meaningful impact on hunger, fullness, or overall energy intake. Although participants consuming the sweetener drink reported slightly lower hunger at certain time points, these effects were inconsistent and diminished after adjusting for taste differences. Importantly, participants did not compensate by eating more later, suggesting that these sweeteners do not disrupt short-term energy balance.

Interestingly, the sweetener beverage was rated as less palatable than water, yet this did not lead to increased food consumption. Additionally, sweeteners and sweetness enhancers reduced the desire for sweet foods, indicating a possible role in controlling sugar cravings.

Overall, the study suggests that sweeteners do not significantly alter appetite or promote overeating in controlled settings. However, due to the small sample size, larger and longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings and better understand their role in weight management and metabolic health.

REFERENCE: H. Andersen, S. S., Kjølbæk, L., G. Halford, J. C., Harrold, J. A., & Raben, A. (2026). Acute and Prolonged Effects of Sweeteners and Sweetness Enhancers on Postprandial Appetite Sensations, Palatability, and Ad Libitum Energy Intake in Humans: A SWEET Sub-Study. Nutrients. 18(6). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18060948. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/6/948

ADHD Brains Exhibit Sleep-Like Activity Patterns Even While Awake, Study Finds

A new study published in JNeurosci suggests that adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder may experience brief episodes of sleep-like brain activity even while awake, potentially contributing to attention difficulties. The research provides new insight into the neurological basis of focus and cognitive performance.

The study involved 32 adults with ADHD who had discontinued medication and 31 neurotypical participants. All individuals completed tasks requiring sustained attention while researchers monitored their brain activity. Results showed that participants with ADHD experienced more frequent “micro-episodes” of sleep-like brain patterns.

These episodes were strongly associated with lapses in attention, slower reaction times, increased errors, and greater feelings of fatigue.

Researchers explain that such brain activity is not unusual and can occur in anyone during prolonged or demanding mental tasks. However, in individuals with ADHD, these episodes appear more often, making it harder to maintain consistent focus and performance.

The findings suggest that these brief shifts into sleep-like states may represent an underlying mechanism contributing to attention challenges in ADHD. This could help explain why individuals often struggle with sustained concentration despite effort.

Importantly, the study also highlights potential future treatment directions. Previous research indicates that auditory stimulation during sleep can enhance slow-wave brain activity, which may reduce daytime sleep-like episodes. Scientists propose that similar approaches could be explored to improve attention in people with ADHD.

Overall, the research offers a promising step toward understanding the brain dynamics behind ADHD and opens the door to innovative, non-pharmacological strategies for managing attention deficits.

REFERENCE: Elaine Pinggal, James Jackson, Anikó Kusztor, David Chapman, Jennifer Windt, Sean P.A. Drummond, Tim J. Silk, Mark A. Bellgrove, Thomas Andrillon. Sleep-like Slow Waves During Wakefulness Mediate Attention and Vigilance Difficulties in Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The Journal of Neuroscience, 2026; e1694252025 DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1694-25.2025

New Research Finds Prediabetes Reversal Possible Without Losing Weight

A new study published in Nature Medicine suggests that Prediabetes can be reversed without weight loss, challenging the long-held belief that shedding pounds is essential to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. The findings highlight a shift in focus from body weight to metabolic health.

Traditionally, individuals with prediabetes have been advised to lose weight to reduce their risk. However, results have often been inconsistent, with many struggling to achieve or maintain weight loss.

The new research found that nearly one in four participants in lifestyle programs were able to return their blood sugar levels to normal without losing weight. Importantly, this remission offered similar protection against future diabetes as weight-loss–related improvements.

The key mechanism appears to be fat distribution rather than total body weight. Visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs, is known to promote inflammation and disrupt insulin function.

In contrast, Subcutaneous fat may support healthier metabolism. Participants who reversed prediabetes without weight loss showed a shift in fat storage away from the abdomen toward subcutaneous areas.

Hormonal changes also played a role. Increased activity of GLP-1, a hormone that enhances insulin release, was linked to improved blood sugar control. This pathway is similar to how certain diabetes medications work.

The findings suggest that lifestyle strategies such as balanced diets rich in healthy fats and regular exercise can improve metabolic health even without weight loss. Overall, the study emphasizes that managing blood sugar and fat distribution may be just as important as reducing body weight in preventing diabetes.

REFERENCE: Arvid Sandforth, Elsa Vazquez Arreola, et al.; Prevention of type 2 diabetes through prediabetes remission without weight loss. Nature Medicine, 2025; 31 (10): 3330 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-025-03944-9