According to a new study from the American Psychological Association, the answer is yes.  The study, performed by testing caloric intake of rats who had been given zero calorie saccharin, found that those rodents consumed more calories, gained more pounds, and had more body fat than similar rats who had been fed regular sugar.

The answer to why this may happen lies in the ability of the body to regulate food intake.  The sweet sensation of artificial sweeteners makes the body expect to intake a large number of calories.  When those calories are not present, the body gets confused and either slows down, burning less energy, or entices the person to eat those additional calories.

To read more about the study, click here.

People traditionally associate stewardship with financial matters, but we are also called upon to take care of our bodies.  Included in the blessings that God has given us are our health and another day of life, so we should take care of ourselves to honor Him.  As the Bible states in I Corinthians 6:19-20, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Similarly, in Proverbs 23:20-21, we read, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags."

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