Stevia intake in enriched rats and its effects on food intake and weight gain

Stevia, a widely consumed non-caloric sweetener (NCS), has been associated with metabolic benefits, but its role in dietary behavior remains poorly understood. Environmental enrichment (EE) reduces the intake of rewarding substances such as drugs of abuse and sugar. However, the interaction between EE and stevia consumption has not been explored. This study evaluated the effects of stevia on liquid intake, food consumption, and weight gain under free choice between stevia and water, or exclusive stevia intake. Rats housed in EE or standard environments (SE) for 30 days were exposed to 21 days of intermittent access to liquids. Stevia was preferred over water by all rats. EE rats reduced stevia intake when water was not available compared to SE rats, and stevia consumption did not alter food intake or weight gain in EE animals. The EE shapes sweetener consumption, providing insights into how environmental factors shape dietary behavior and support the development of preventive strategies against maladaptive eating and metabolic disorders.