However, a number of recent studies have proven that diet soda does not have the ability to prevent individuals from gaining weight, and does not contribute to weight loss.
As a result, fewer Americans are consuming soda on a regular basis in an effort to become healthier.
In 2011, a study was presented at the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions conference that proved that diet soda products can trigger weight gain — a finding that was shocking to both health care professionals and consumers. In the last year alone, sales of diet soda products that advertise having zero- or low-calories have dropped by nearly 7 percent, while regular soda sales have dropped by 2 percent. Analysts have not been able to pinpoint exactly why Americans are purchasing fewer soda products, but suspect that sales are dropping as a result of Americans wanting to become healthier through weight loss.
Researchers who have led the studies on the health effects of diet soda say that artificial sweeteners can trick an individual’s brain into thinking that they are consuming high-fat, high-calorie items, which causes the body to convert existing sugar in the bloodstream into fat instead of burning it for energy. As a result, diet soda drinkers can gain unnecessary weight at an accelerated rate.
Additionally, diet sodas typically lack vitamins and nutritional value, which can cause individuals who consume them to experience intense food cravings. In many cases, diet soda drinkers will tend to overeat and fill up on junk foods and other high-fat foods in an attempt to satisfy their cravings. Sometimes, individuals may even tend to overcompensate on food portions since they think consuming fewer calories through diet soda allows them to increase their overall calorie intake.
If you consume regular or diet soda on a consistent basis, consider cutting soda out of your diet completely to become healthier and to help trigger weight loss. Follow these tips to kick your soda habit for good, and lower your risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health problems.
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