Does Diet Soda Make You Gain Weight? The Drink Swap That Melts Pounds - AOL

Research cited in a new explainer says soda’s effect on weight and metabolic risk depends heavily on ingredients. Large studies consistently link sugar-sweetened drinks to weight gain, and a BMJ meta-analysis found each additional daily serving of sugary beverages raises type 2 diabetes risk by 18%. For diet soda, evidence is mixed: a year-long University of Colorado study reported participants who were allowed sugar-free soft drinks lost more weight than those limited to water, but other research connects higher diet soda intake with greater belly fat and elevated diabetes risk—about 8% per daily serving. Data from the Women’s Health Initiative also links heavy diet soda use with higher stroke and heart disease risks.