A study carried out by researchers from Princeton University has discovered that rats who consumed high-fructose corn syrup put on notably more weight than those who consumed table sugar.

Even though the overall caloric intake of the rats was equal, the rats who had access to corn sugar gained more weight.

The study also showed that consuming high-fructose corn syrup for a long period of time also led to abnormal increases in body fat, particularly abdominal fat. It also raised the level of triglycerides in the blood.

This repudiates claims that high-fructose corn syrup is not unlike other sweeteners in terms of weight gain and obesity.

Professor Bart Hoebel, who specializes in the neuroscience of appetite, weight and sugar addiction, said, "When rats are drinking high-fructose corn syrup at levels well below those in soda pop, they're becoming obese-every single one, across the board. Even when rats are fed a high-fat diet, you don't see this; they don't all gain extra weight".

Researchers believe that the process of manufacturing of high-fructose corn syrup, leads to free and unbound fructose molecules. This aids the absorption and utilization of fructose, increasing body fat and weight.