Figure 5. Effects of ASs on obesity and gut health. ASs can alter gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis, reduced SCFA production, and increased gut permeability. This imbalance raises systemic inflammation, disrupts hunger and satiety hormones (GLP-1 and PYY), and contributes to overeating and obesity.

ASs: artificial sweeteners; SCFA: short-chain fatty acid; GLP-1: glucagon-like peptide-1; PYY: peptide tyrosine tyrosine

This image was illustrated by the author Meenatchi M