What about Diet Soda?

Question by ragdoll (Chenoa, IL)
Posted on September 12, 2007

I understand drinking soda in excess is definitely going to contribute to weight gain over time, but what about consuming only sugar free/caffeine free diet soda?

Amy's Answer

Amy Bragagnini, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian and consultant…Read Full Bio

Diet soda that is consumed in moderation is generally considered safe. It is also a low calorie/sugar option as opposed to the regular soda. However, drinking these may also have potential risk. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (AHA) found that participants that consumed more than one soft drink of any kind per day were 44% more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. This syndrome contains many symptoms including: excessive abdominal fat, high blood-glucose levels, high blood pressure and high blood triglycerides, etc. Researchers speculate that drinking sweetened diet soda may make people more apt to eat foods that are high in sugar and fat. Some suggested that diet sodas reduce the feeling of fullness during a meal and cause us to eat more. *(Soon after the study’s release, the AHA clarified the findings, stating this report “does not show that soft drinks cause risk factors for heart disease.” The release also stated that other factors could explain the development of risk factors for heart disease and that more research is ultimately needed.)

So, overall I feel that sugar free/diet soda is a better choice for your waistline than regular soda. However, I would ultimately recommend choosing water to meet your fluid needs. Also, consuming low calorie Healthy Balance Juices can be a healthy addition to your diet.