Dive into the sweet science with Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright on this episode of Fat Science. Discover the truth behind artificial sweeteners and food additives, as Dr. Cooper reveals shocking connections between diet sodas and health issues like obesity and diabetes. Andrea discusses her personal preferences for Diet Coke and Splenda, weighing the benefits against potential risks. Learn about the hidden dangers lurking in your food packaging and explore why "ultra-processed" might be more than just a buzzword in our diets. The trio debates the impact of food industry practices on our health, emphasizing the importance of choosing products as close to their natural state as possible. Dr. Cooper also presents an intriguing view on natural vs. artificial sweeteners, urging listeners to reconsider their daily choices. In this enlightening discussion, uncover how everything from your plastic water bottle to the seemingly harmless canned beverage could be contributing to a broader health epidemic. Get ready to be inspired to look more critically at the ingredients and packaging of your food. Resources from the episode: "The Association Between Artificial Sweeteners and Obesity," National Library of Medicine, November 2017 "Low-calorie sweeteners promote fat accumulation in human fat," Endocrine.org, April 2017 "Effects of long-term ingestion of aspartame on hypothalamic neuropeptide Y, plasma leptin and body weight gain and composition," Psychology & Behavior, February 2002 Learn more about Fat Science here.  Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.  Connect with Andrea Taylor on LinkedIn.  Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.  Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to explain where our fat really comes from and why it won’t go (and stay!) away. In each episode, we share little-known facts and personal experiences to dispel misconceptions, reduce stigma, and instill hope. Fat Science is committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email Mark Wright at [email protected]. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fatscience/message