Does diet soda make you fat?

[snousle]

It's one of those things I've suspected for a long time, but hadn't found any evidence one way or the other. But it might be true.

I just don't get artificial sweeteners. True, I'm one of those weird people that likes broccoli more than chocolate. But tricking the body in that way just seems like a bad idea all around.

Comments

[jawnbc]

There is no trend in research in this area with respect to humans. There is evidence that the reasons people consume artificial sweeteners does somewhat predict weight gain. Simply put, those who elect to drink the artificial sweetener tend not to: those who feel compelled to do so because of a health crisis like obesity or diabetes.

There are a couple of phenomena, but perhaps the most significant one is calorie swapping. Often people who switch to diet pop will incrementally add calories in other areas of their diet. So from a weight loss perspective it can be problematic and ineffective strategy. On its own.

But there are other huge benefits for those (like me) who swap 2-3 large Cokes for 1-2 regular diet Cokes. Triglycerides and cholesterol will usually drop dramatically. And that greatly reduces risk of heart disease.

[moofedct.livejournal.com]

I hear you there. My boss was often seen with a coke in his hand. After the layoffs and we were working at our next jobs together, he was dedicated to water and tea and had lost easily 80 pounds!