ATLANTA (January 3, 2013) — The article “Effects of Fructose vs. Glucose on Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Brain Regions Involved With Appetite and Reward Pathways”1 is of very little practical value. This study showed increases in the blood flow to some parts of the brains’ of a small number of people, not that fructose causes weight gain as has been suggested.
The study has three main flaws:
The Calorie Control Council also cites the following as limitations of this study:
The study agrees with what scientists or health professionals already know, that fructose does not increase levels of ghrelin, the hormone that causes hunger.6 Thus, fructose would not be expected to increase appetite.
Obesity is a multi-faceted issue. Weight maintenance and health involve many factors, such as healthful eating habits (including balance and moderation), exercise and long-term commitment. There is no scientific evidence that one component of the diet, such as fructose, is responsible for obesity.