Diet soda as effective as water for weight loss, study finds

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 21:37 · Archive

A two-year trial found diet drinks with artificial sweeteners were as effective as water for weight loss in overweight adults.

A two-year randomized trial led by the University of Liverpool found that diet drinks containing artificial sweeteners were as effective as water for supporting weight loss in overweight or obese adults. The study included 493 participants aged 18 to 65 with a body mass index between 27 and 35. Half received 22.3 ounces of water daily, whilst the other half received the same amount of diet soda with non-nutritive sweeteners for 104 weeks. The group drinking diet beverages could choose from various diet sodas, low-calorie fruit drinks and flavored waters, with the primary sweeteners being aspartame, acesulfame potassium and sucralose.

After two years, people drinking diet beverages had lost about 10.6 pounds, whilst those drinking water lost about 8.2 pounds. Both groups kept off a meaningful amount of weight for two years, even during the final year when they no longer received regular weight-management support. Both groups lost inches around their waists and hips and reduced body fat, with no meaningful difference between the two groups. Total cholesterol remained within the healthy range in both groups.

The findings were published in the British Journal of Nutrition. A registered dietitian cautioned that 'the study does not show that diet beverages themselves caused the weight loss'.

How it is being reported

• Study reveals whether diet soda or water is better for weight lossThe study included 493 participants ranging from 18 to 65 years old, all of whom had a body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 35 (overweight or obese).New York Post · 8 Oct, 21:20
• Diet soda vs water: Study reveals which beverage is better for weight lossA two-year randomized trial found that diet drinks with aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame potassium matched water for weight loss outcomes.Fox News · 8 Oct, 00:40

In this story: University of Liverpool · British Journal of Nutrition

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