It turns out that diet soda may not be so diet after all. A study of more than 1,550 Americans points to compelling evidence that individuals of normal weight increase their risk of gaining and/or becoming obese with every diet soda they consume. Data collected by Sharon P. Fowler, MPH at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, revealed some other surprises as well. When compared to those consuming regular, full-sugar sodas, the diet soda group’s risk turned out to be higher. Click here to read more.
While the research team is quick to point out that a study of this kind does not prove that diet soda actually causes obesity, the link is hard to ignore. “One possible part of the explanation,” suggests Fowler, “is that people who see they are beginning to gain weight are more likely to switch from regular to diet soda.”
Another possibility may be that artificial sweeteners not only trick the pallet, they may also trick the body into believing it will receive the calories that a sweet tasting treat would normally deliver. Nutrition expert Leslei Bonci, MPH, RD explains, “People think they can just fool the body. But maybe the body isn’t fooled,” she says. “If you are not giving your body those calories you promised it, maybe your body will retaliate by wanting more calories.”
Either way, it certainly brings new meaning to the phrase, “I’ll have a double bacon cheese burger, a large order of fries, and a diet Dr. Pepper.”
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