The prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions and
many Americans are making efforts to side-step extra calories. They
are turning to diet soft drinks -- Diet Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper
and Sprite -- as their beverage of choice.
But is this a wise health choice?
Perhaps not, for according to a study by researchers at the University
of Texas San Antonio, middle-aged adults who drink diet soft drinks
may be drastically increasing their risks of gaining weight later
on.
Diet Soda Discovery
The study monitored the weight and soda-drinking habits of more
than 600 normal-weight patients aged 25-64. When researchers followed
up on the patients some eight years later, they discovered:
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Participants were 65 percent more likely to be overweight if
they consumed one diet soda a day compared to if they drank
none.
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Two or more low- or no-calorie soft drinks raised the odds
of becoming obese or overweight even higher.
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Those who drank diet soda had a greater chance of becoming
overweight than participants who drank regular soda.
Finding Clarity
By itself, diet soda cannot be blamed for weight gain; however,
various contributing factors may play a role.
For example, a person who drinks a diet soda may feel it's acceptable
to make up for those calories with another high-calorie food. And
while the tongue is temporarily satisfied by the sweet taste of
diet soda, the brain isn't similarly fooled and still craves calories
for energy. Other studies have suggested people who drink an artificially
sweetened beverage before a meal will eat more high-calorie foods
than those who do not.
Therefore, with diet soft drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages
(even fruit juices) linked to weight gain and obesity, many people
are left wondering, "What is safe to drink?" The answer,
of course, is water.
San
Antonio Express-News July 6, 2005
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