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A can of diet soda might not seem like it would hurt your waist, but new research suggests that low-calorie beverages may be contributing to a variety of physical deficiencies. Megan Azad, a researcher at the University of Manitoba, told The Washington Post that she has been studying the effects of sugar substitutes. The results are not promising. “Non-nutritive sweeteners are strongly associated with moderate, long-term increases in weight, BMI and waist circumference,” Azad said. “I think originally the problem was calories, and we’ve created zero-calorie drinks, so that’s good. But now we’re learning that it’s not just about calories.” The exact reason why diet drinks still make you gain weight has yet to be pinpointed, but previous research from the American Heart Association found that people who drink diet drinks every day are nearly three times more likely to develop dementia or a stroke. So while diet drinks may seem good for weight loss, they’re not as good for your overall health. As with most things, everything should be in moderation. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a soda now and then — just don’t drink it like water.
