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Diet soda's surprising effect on weight loss revealed: study
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- A new two-year University of Liverpool study found that overweight or obese adults who drank diet beverages with artificial sweeteners lost slightly more weight (10.6 pounds) than those who drank water (8.2 pounds), though the difference was not statistically significant.
- Both groups experienced reductions in waist and hip measurements, improved body composition, metabolic health, and decreased sugar intake, with diet beverage consumers showing a slightly larger drop in sugar consumption.
- The study challenges previous concerns that artificial sweeteners disrupt appetite regulation or increase cravings, showing no negative effects on weight management in a rigorous, long-term randomized trial.
- Findings may influence public health guidance, including World Health Organization recommendations that currently advise against nonsugar sweeteners due to uncertain long-term benefits.
- Over 140 million Americans consume artificial sweeteners regularly, often to reduce sugar intake, aligning with health guidelines that recommend limiting added sugar consumption.
