Diet soda vs water: Study reveals which beverage is better for weight loss
A two-year randomized trial found that diet drinks with aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame potassium matched water for weight loss outcomes.
TL;DR
- A two-year randomized trial found diet drinks with non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) were as effective as water for weight loss in overweight/obese adults.
- Participants in both the diet drink and water groups lost an average of 10.6 pounds and 8.2 pounds respectively, and maintained weight loss over two years.
- Both groups showed reductions in waist/hip measurements and body fat, with no significant differences between the groups.
- Experts suggest diet drinks contribute to weight loss by replacing higher-calorie sugar-sweetened beverages, rather than through inherent metabolic properties.
- The study was conducted at one location in England with limitations in generalizability, and a significant number of participants did not complete the full 104-week assessment.