is diet soda bad for you? (1 Viewer)

[Gator Shawn]

Latest news, diet soda is now known to cause fierce debates.

 

[Gator Shawn]

So if skinny people start drinking diet soda instead of regular soda, they'd gain weight?

 

[RKMoney]

guys, I have posted clear cut studies on this, why are you still fighting it?

Because your studies are based on people who apparently have no ability to control their cravings. If you control your intake of calories and carbohydrates, diet sodas do not, will not, can not make you gain weight. Period.

Not according to the study I posted from the University of Texas. If you take a chemical that spikes your need to consume more calories, saying don't consume more calories doesn't jive. Again, go look at the study I posted that's from a reputable university.

So basically, you're saying that the chemical turns you into a zombie. There's no fighting it and you're headed straight to the buffet table as soon as you down a diet soda.Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? I guess if the human mind has a craving, the person must give in. There's just no way around it.

I'm starting to think you're doing this as a rib and to fish for senseless arguments. If so, kudos. I think you won.

I'm not saying anything, I posted a study that was done on diet soda drinkers who gained weight. Pick it apart all you want, go for it.I know if I drink too much booze I want to smoke a cigarette. If I drink just a few or don't drink at all, cigs repulse me. Many people are like this. Or, don't eat chips because you can't stop eating them.

I see no point in drinking diet sodas. First, you don't even know what's in them and secondly from a study from a well known college has posted findings that there is a sig increase in weight.

If you don't even know what's in diet soda, it's hard to then say without a doubt you won't gain any weight from them.

 

[RKMoney]

So if skinny people start drinking diet soda instead of regular soda, they'd gain weight?

All sodas are bad.

 

[CrossEyed]

guys, I have posted clear cut studies on this, why are you still fighting it?

Because your studies are based on people who apparently have no ability to control their cravings. If you control your intake of calories and carbohydrates, diet sodas do not, will not, can not make you gain weight. Period.

Not according to the study I posted from the University of Texas. If you take a chemical that spikes your need to consume more calories, saying don't consume more calories doesn't jive. Again, go look at the study I posted that's from a reputable university.

So basically, you're saying that the chemical turns you into a zombie. There's no fighting it and you're headed straight to the buffet table as soon as you down a diet soda.Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? I guess if the human mind has a craving, the person must give in. There's just no way around it.

I'm starting to think you're doing this as a rib and to fish for senseless arguments. If so, kudos. I think you won.

I'm not saying anything, I posted a study that was done on diet soda drinkers who gained weight. Pick it apart all you want, go for it.I know if I drink too much booze I want to smoke a cigarette. If I drink just a few or don't drink at all, cigs repulse me. Many people are like this. Or, don't eat chips because you can't stop eating them.

I see no point in drinking diet sodas. First, you don't even know what's in them and secondly from a study from a well known college has posted findings that there is a sig increase in weight.

If you don't even know what's in diet soda, it's hard to then say without a doubt you won't gain any weight from them.

You really are Larry_boy.

 

[GiantsRule]

guys, I have posted clear cut studies on this, why are you still fighting it?

Because your studies are based on people who apparently have no ability to control their cravings. If you control your intake of calories and carbohydrates, diet sodas do not, will not, can not make you gain weight. Period.

Not according to the study I posted from the University of Texas. If you take a chemical that spikes your need to consume more calories, saying don't consume more calories doesn't jive. Again, go look at the study I posted that's from a reputable university.

So basically, you're saying that the chemical turns you into a zombie. There's no fighting it and you're headed straight to the buffet table as soon as you down a diet soda.Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? I guess if the human mind has a craving, the person must give in. There's just no way around it.

I'm starting to think you're doing this as a rib and to fish for senseless arguments. If so, kudos. I think you won.

I'm not saying anything, I posted a study that was done on diet soda drinkers who gained weight. Pick it apart all you want, go for it.I know if I drink too much booze I want to smoke a cigarette. If I drink just a few or don't drink at all, cigs repulse me. Many people are like this. Or, don't eat chips because you can't stop eating them.

I see no point in drinking diet sodas. First, you don't even know what's in them and secondly from a study from a well known college has posted findings that there is a sig increase in weight.

If you don't even know what's in diet soda, it's hard to then say without a doubt you won't gain any weight from them.

I know what's in them: ZERO calories! Calories lead to weight gain. If you avoid cravings that diet soda may cause (and millions have done it successfully), you can't gain weight.It really is that simple.

 

[msommer]

I thought this debate was about whether Diet soda = bad for you.

I must have missed the memo that said that the only interpretation of bad for you is that you put on weight.

 

[Gator Shawn]

My wife sent me (an avid diet soda drinker) an article on a study that found that people who drank diet soda were 57% likely to gain weight over a 8-year period, while people who drank regular soda were only 45% likely to gain weight. The creator of the study inferred that this mean Diet Soda caused weight gain more than regular soda did.

However, when I read the brief article, it was instantly obvious to me what explains this difference. A high percentage of people who drink Diet Soda regularly are more likely to be be people who are concerned about losing weight or not gaining weight. They are not people who CAN eat and drink whatever they want but CHOOSE to drink Diet Soda.

On the other hand, people who drink regular Soda regularly are comprised of both fatties AND the people who can eat and drink whatever they want.

What the study didn't report was what percentage of people experienced weight LOSS. I bet you more people who drank diet soda also showed weight loss than people who drink regular soda.

Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics.

 

[RKMoney]

guys, I have posted clear cut studies on this, why are you still fighting it?

Because your studies are based on people who apparently have no ability to control their cravings. If you control your intake of calories and carbohydrates, diet sodas do not, will not, can not make you gain weight. Period.

Not according to the study I posted from the University of Texas. If you take a chemical that spikes your need to consume more calories, saying don't consume more calories doesn't jive. Again, go look at the study I posted that's from a reputable university.

So basically, you're saying that the chemical turns you into a zombie. There's no fighting it and you're headed straight to the buffet table as soon as you down a diet soda.Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? I guess if the human mind has a craving, the person must give in. There's just no way around it.

I'm starting to think you're doing this as a rib and to fish for senseless arguments. If so, kudos. I think you won.

I'm not saying anything, I posted a study that was done on diet soda drinkers who gained weight. Pick it apart all you want, go for it.I know if I drink too much booze I want to smoke a cigarette. If I drink just a few or don't drink at all, cigs repulse me. Many people are like this. Or, don't eat chips because you can't stop eating them.

I see no point in drinking diet sodas. First, you don't even know what's in them and secondly from a study from a well known college has posted findings that there is a sig increase in weight.

If you don't even know what's in diet soda, it's hard to then say without a doubt you won't gain any weight from them.

You really are Larry_boy.

This is scary:Contents

A can of Diet Coke contains 355ml (12 fluid oz)2 of beverage that is free of calories, fat, protein, and carbohydrates. It is not totally without content however, as it does contain 40mg of sodium and 46.5mg of caffeine3. Other ingredients include caramel colouring, aspartame, phosphoric acid, and citric acid. While it doesn't show up in the list of ingredients, there is a warning on the can to people with phenylketonuria that Diet Coke contains phenylalanine.

Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited error of metabolism caused by a deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. Loss of this enzyme results in mental ######ation, organ damage, unusual posture and can, in cases of maternal PKU, severely compromise pregnancy.

Classical PKU is an autosomal recessive disorder, caused by mutations in both alleles of the gene for phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), found on chromosome 12. In the body, phenylalanine hydroxylase converts the amino acid phenylalanine to tyrosine, another amino acid. Mutations in both copies of the gene for PAH means that the enzyme is inactive or is less efficient, and the concentration of phenylalanine in the body can build up to toxic levels. In some cases, mutations in PAH will result in a phenotypically mild form of PKU called hyperphenylalanemia. Both diseases are the result of a variety of mutations in the PAH locus; in those cases where a patient is heterozygous for two mutations of PAH (ie each copy of the gene has a different mutation), the milder mutation will predominate.

A form of PKU has been discovered in mice, and these model organisms are helping us to better understand the disease, and find treatments against it. With careful dietary supervision, children born with PKU can lead normal lives, and mothers who have the disease can produce healthy children.

 

[CrossEyed]

I thought this debate was about whether Diet soda = bad for you.

I must have missed the memo that said that the only interpretation of bad for you is that you put on weight.

The argument about weight gain started here:

Is Diet Soda good for you?

Probably not

Can Diet Soda make you fat?

Let's see: Zero calories, often minimal sodium, zero sugars. Basically, you can drink a case a day, and you should gain nothing but water weight (and if there's caffiene in them, kiss your insides goodbye, and cancel all appointments).

There may be something to the chemicals in diet soda giving you a craving for sugary or salty junk food. But if you're not using it as a gateway drug, I don't logically see how it can make you gain weight (assuming you drink it with a meal in place of a regular beverage and don't suddenly urge to eat badly).

So I guess you also believe when something has ZERO fat that you won't gain weight either.

 

[RKMoney]

My wife sent me (an avid diet soda drinker) an article on a study that found that people who drank diet soda were 57% likely to gain weight over a 8-year period, while people who drank regular soda were only 45% likely to gain weight. The creator of the study inferred that this mean Diet Soda caused weight gain more than regular soda did.

However, when I read the brief article, it was instantly obvious to me what explains this difference. A high percentage of people who drink Diet Soda regularly are more likely to be be people who are concerned about losing weight or not gaining weight. They are not people who CAN eat and drink whatever they want but CHOOSE to drink Diet Soda.

On the other hand, people who drink regular Soda regularly are comprised of both fatties AND the people who can eat and drink whatever they want.

What the study didn't report was what percentage of people experienced weight LOSS. I bet you more people who drank diet soda also showed weight loss than people who drink regular soda.

Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics.

Who knows?

 

[RKMoney]

I thought this debate was about whether Diet soda = bad for you.

I must have missed the memo that said that the only interpretation of bad for you is that you put on weight.

What's good about drinking a diet soda? The chemicals?

 

[RKMoney]

simple:

Cut out ALL sodas and drink water.

 

[CrossEyed]

See you guys later. I'm off to drink some more diet soda and drop the last 6 pounds I need to lose.

 

[GiantsRule]

simple:

Cut out sugary sodas and drink water or diet sodas.

Finally, some sound advice.

 

[RKMoney]

See you guys later. I'm off to drink some more diet soda and drop the last 6 pounds I need to lose.

Hey, I wish you were right then I would be chugging some down with you!

 

[BuckeyeArt]

Do you honestly, really, truly, absolutely believe that drinking something that has ZERO calories (the basis for weight gain) can actually make you gain weight?

Again, we're talking about just drinking diet soda as you would a regular soda, beer, or even water. I'm not referring to the theory that the chemicals in diet soda makes you eat fattening, high-caloric foods that attribute to weight gain.

It certainly doesn't directly cause weight gain but does it really matter if the effect is direct or indirect?

It certainly does. Pot use may lead to cocaine or acid, but not necessarily. Diet soda may increase cravings for foods you shouldn't eat, but if you resist those cravings, there's no conceivable way diet soda can make you gain weight.Again, research the concept of "calorie" and you'll see it's not possible.

I have no problem understanding the concept of "calorie" and agree that it cannot directly lead to weight gain. You apparently didn't comprehend my simple sentence. Reread my comment. If a drug physiologically takes away the effect of being satiated or increases the cravings by removing the glucose from your bloodstream, it can indirectly lead to weight gain. I think you are agreeing with this.

Your analogy of drug use supports my comment. Directly or indirectly, why does it matter? I'll throw out another. Smoking cigarettes may cause cancer, but not necessarily. Does that make it matter any less?

One last comment. Your assumption of a diet of strictly diet soda is absurd. While I haven't tried it for any significant length of time, a diet of alcohol alone will also not cause weight gain. It's not "all" about the calories. To only look at an individual item and not consider the interactions in the body is ridiculous.

 

[BuckeyeArt]

Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? I guess if the human mind has a craving, the person must give in. There's just no way around it.

That's part of the problem with your argument. You're assuming it's psychological rather than physiological. If the body sends out insulin because it thinks there is an excess of sugar, the resulting drop of energy is real.

 

[RKMoney]

Do you honestly, really, truly, absolutely believe that drinking something that has ZERO calories (the basis for weight gain) can actually make you gain weight?

Again, we're talking about just drinking diet soda as you would a regular soda, beer, or even water. I'm not referring to the theory that the chemicals in diet soda makes you eat fattening, high-caloric foods that attribute to weight gain.

It certainly doesn't directly cause weight gain but does it really matter if the effect is direct or indirect?

It certainly does. Pot use may lead to cocaine or acid, but not necessarily. Diet soda may increase cravings for foods you shouldn't eat, but if you resist those cravings, there's no conceivable way diet soda can make you gain weight.Again, research the concept of "calorie" and you'll see it's not possible.

I have no problem understanding the concept of "calorie" and agree that it cannot directly lead to weight gain. You apparently didn't comprehend my simple sentence. Reread my comment. If a drug physiologically takes away the effect of being satiated or increases the cravings by removing the glucose from your bloodstream, it can indirectly lead to weight gain. I think you are agreeing with this.

Your analogy of drug use supports my comment. Directly or indirectly, why does it matter? I'll throw out another. Smoking cigarettes may cause cancer, but not necessarily. Does that make it matter any less?

One last comment. Your assumption of a diet of strictly diet soda is absurd. While I haven't tried it for any significant length of time, a diet of alcohol alone will also not cause weight gain. It's not "all" about the calories. To only look at an individual item and not consider the interactions in the body is ridiculous.

I mentioned that as well but of course he didn't respond to it.If you ONLY eat a donut a day you will loose weight so by his argument you won't gain weight by eating a donut.

The body works as a whole.

 

[RKMoney]

Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? I guess if the human mind has a craving, the person must give in. There's just no way around it.

That's part of the problem with your argument. You're assuming it's psychological rather than physiological. If the body sends out insulin because it thinks there is an excess of sugar, the resulting drop of energy is real.

Hey, if it's easier to attack...

 

[GiantsRule]

Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? I guess if the human mind has a craving, the person must give in. There's just no way around it.

That's part of the problem with your argument. You're assuming it's psychological rather than physiological. If the body sends out insulin because it thinks there is an excess of sugar, the resulting drop of energy is real.

Wrong. If your body thinks it's hungry, it doesn't mean you have to give in and feed it. The insulin may make you hungry, but if you have will power, or you feed that hunger with fruit and vegetables, diet soda won't lead to weight gain.And where did I ever talk about a diet comprised strictly of diet soda? Now you're just making crap up to support your non-point.

 

[TheFanatic]

I read in Men's Health a couple of months ago that diet soda drinkers are actually at a higher risk of weight gain since the fake sugar makes the body want real sugar, so you're more likely to over eat junkfood when drinking diet.

I'm on day 2 of quitting pop myself, we need a support group.

I'm on year 11. I don't miss it a bit. I gave it up because the caffeine was eating me up inside. I went from Mt. Dew to PEpsi sprite to bottled water. I don't care that the water is pure or clean or whatever they claim in the ads, I just want it protable and cold. Keep a bottle in my car. I drink tap water over ice all day long at work. Drink about a gallon a day. I gave soda when I was 22. I'm 33 now. Every now and again, with nothing else available I will drink a root beer but I can feel what it does to my body and it's not good. Oh, and I haven't had caffeine in 11 years either....

 

[Gator Shawn]

Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? I guess if the human mind has a craving, the person must give in. There's just no way around it.

That's part of the problem with your argument. You're assuming it's psychological rather than physiological. If the body sends out insulin because it thinks there is an excess of sugar, the resulting drop of energy is real.

Hey, if it's easier to attack...

 

[RKMoney]

I read in Men's Health a couple of months ago that diet soda drinkers are actually at a higher risk of weight gain since the fake sugar makes the body want real sugar, so you're more likely to over eat junkfood when drinking diet.

I'm on day 2 of quitting pop myself, we need a support group.

I'm on year 11. I don't miss it a bit. I gave it up because the caffeine was eating me up inside. I went from Mt. Dew to PEpsi sprite to bottled water. I don't care that the water is pure or clean or whatever they claim in the ads, I just want it protable and cold. Keep a bottle in my car. I drink tap water over ice all day long at work. Drink about a gallon a day. I gave soda when I was 22. I'm 33 now. Every now and again, with nothing else available I will drink a root beer but I can feel what it does to my body and it's not good. Oh, and I haven't had caffeine in 11 years either....

Do you ever miss that cup of coffee?

 

[BuckeyeArt]

Do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? I guess if the human mind has a craving, the person must give in. There's just no way around it.

That's part of the problem with your argument. You're assuming it's psychological rather than physiological. If the body sends out insulin because it thinks there is an excess of sugar, the resulting drop of energy is real.

Wrong. If your body thinks it's hungry, it doesn't mean you have to give in and feed it. The insulin may make you hungry, but if you have will power, or you feed that hunger with fruit and vegetables, diet soda won't lead to weight gain.And where did I ever talk about a diet comprised strictly of diet soda? Now you're just making crap up to support your non-point.

If you're suggesting that you can forever suppress that craving, I think you're wrong. Eventually, you'll give in. If you are constantly putting something in your body that makes you crave sugar (or carbs), then eventually you'll give in. Celery just won't do it. Fruits will make it worse.I think we basically agree. There is no direct cause. There can be an indirect cause. Our disagreement begins there. You think the indirect cause is completely controllable. I don't.

I'll make the statement another way. If you replace diet soda with water in your diet (both zero calories), you have a better chance of losing weight (or not gaining weight) with water. If you agree with this, then you would have to agree there is some indirect link to diet soda and weight gain.

 

[Delusions Of Adequacy]

i keep reading in a lot of posts that some people are addicted to diet soda. is it reallly that bad? it has to be better than drinking the regular stuff. zero calories? maybe the acidity is bad for the teeth but other than that?

I think nutrasweet is probably bad for people long term. Now that they have spenda, which is sweetened with a sugar that you don't digest, I won't drink aspartame [nutrasweet], since I think spenda is alot safer.

 

[Maelstrom]

I read in Men's Health a couple of months ago that diet soda drinkers are actually at a higher risk of weight gain since the fake sugar makes the body want real sugar, so you're more likely to over eat junkfood when drinking diet.

I'm on day 2 of quitting pop myself, we need a support group.

I did a very unscientific study where I switched from regular Coke to Diet Coke. Didn't really make any other changes, and I gained 5-10 pounds during about 6 months and was always hungry.

I've switched back to regular Coke with a Dew sprinkled in once in a while, but am trying to cut them out completely for iced tea or water.

To answer the original poster, most definately bad for you, with no discernable benefits to the consumer.

 

[KillerNerd]

I remember my nutrition prof. harping on this #### all the time. Simply put, he said that the man-made crap is always worse for you because your body can't digest it/doesn't know what to do with it. ie butter is better than margarine, and if you must drink soda, regular is better than diet. Of course portions and moderation are always the key.

 

[RKMoney]

I remember my nutrition prof. harping on this #### all the time. Simply put, he said that the man-made crap is always worse for you because your body can't digest it/doesn't know what to do with it. ie butter is better than margarine, and if you must drink soda, regular is better than diet. Of course portions and moderation are always the key.

I know people who will put many packets of Sweet&Lo into their tea, I would much rather put ONE packet of real sugar, at least you know what the hell it is.Note: I like my tea completely unsweetened.

 

[KillerNerd]

I remember my nutrition prof. harping on this #### all the time. Simply put, he said that the man-made crap is always worse for you because your body can't digest it/doesn't know what to do with it. ie butter is better than margarine, and if you must drink soda, regular is better than diet. Of course portions and moderation are always the key.

I know people who will put many packets of Sweet&Lo into their tea, I would much rather put ONE packet of real sugar, at least you know what the hell it is.Note: I like my tea completely unsweetened.

Makes sense when you think about it. We evolved (if you believe in that) with the ability to digest sugars, and then we come along and invent some crap so we don't feel bad about drinking 10 sodas a day.

 

[CrossEyed]

I read in Men's Health a couple of months ago that diet soda drinkers are actually at a higher risk of weight gain since the fake sugar makes the body want real sugar, so you're more likely to over eat junkfood when drinking diet.

I'm on day 2 of quitting pop myself, we need a support group.

I did a very unscientific study where I switched from regular Coke to Diet Coke. Didn't really make any other changes, and I gained 5-10 pounds during about 6 months and was always hungry.

I've switched back to regular Coke with a Dew sprinkled in once in a while, but am trying to cut them out completely for iced tea or water.

To answer the original poster, most definately bad for you, with no discernable benefits to the consumer.

Sorry, but I have to call on this one. If you made no other changes and reduced your calorie intake by 160x the number of Cokes you drink in a 6 month period, it would have been impossible for you to gain weight.I agree that tea or water are better for you, but the idea that a zero-calorie drink can make you gain weight is completely illogical.

 

[moleculo]

I'm not saying anything, I posted a study that was done on diet soda drinkers who gained weight. Pick it apart all you want, go for it.

I know if I drink too much booze I want to smoke a cigarette. If I drink just a few or don't drink at all, cigs repulse me. Many people are like this. Or, don't eat chips because you can't stop eating them.

I see no point in drinking diet sodas. First, you don't even know what's in them and secondly from a study from a well known college has posted findings that there is a sig increase in weight.

If you don't even know what's in diet soda, it's hard to then say without a doubt you won't gain any weight from them.

Drink More Diet Soda, Gain More Weight?

Overweight Risk Soars 41% With Each Daily Can of Diet Soft Drink

By Daniel DeNoon

WebMD Medical News  Reviewed By Charlotte Grayson, MD

on Monday, June 13, 2005

June 13, 2005 -- People who drink diet soft drinks don't lose weight. In fact, they gain weight, a new study shows.

The findings come from eight years of data collected by Sharon P. Fowler, MPH, and colleagues at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. Fowler reported the data at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association in San Diego.

...

Diet Soda No Smoking Gun

Fowler is quick to note that a study of this kind does not prove that diet soda causes obesity. More likely, she says, it shows that something linked to diet soda drinking is also linked to obesity.

"One possible part of the explanation is that people who see they are beginning to gain weight may be more likely to switch from regular to diet soda," Fowler suggests. "But despite their switching, their weight may continue to grow for other reasons. So diet soft-drink use is a marker for overweight and obesity."

Why? Nutrition expert Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, puts it in a nutshell.

"You have to look at what's on your plate, not just what's in your glass," Bonci tells WebMD.

People often mistake diet drinks for diets, says Bonci, director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and nutrition consultant to college and professional sports teams and to the Pittsburgh Ballet.

"A lot of people say, 'I am drinking a diet soft drink because that is better for me. But soft drinks by themselves are not the root of America's obesity problem," she says. "You can't go into a fast-food restaurant and say, 'Oh, it's OK because I had diet soda.' If you don't do anything else but switch to a diet soft drink, you are not going to lose weight."

...

nothing to add, I just wanted to point out that the study that RKMoney/ratdog points to consistantly as evidence states that there is no direct link between diet soda and weight gain.carry on.

 

[KillerNerd]

Drink More Diet Soda, Gain More Weight?

Overweight Risk Soars 41% With Each Daily Can of Diet Soft Drink

By Daniel DeNoon

WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Charlotte Grayson, MD

on Monday, June 13, 2005

June 13, 2005 -- People who drink diet soft drinks don't lose weight. In fact, they gain weight, a new study shows.

The findings come from eight years of data collected by Sharon P. Fowler, MPH, and colleagues at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. Fowler reported the data at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association in San Diego.

...

For regular soft-drink drinkers, the risk of becoming overweight or obese was:

* 26% for up to 1/2 can each day

* 30.4% for 1/2 to one can each day

* 32.8% for 1 to 2 cans each day

* 47.2% for more than 2 cans each day.

For diet soft-drink drinkers, the risk of becoming overweight or obese was:

* 36.5% for up to 1/2 can each day

* 37.5% for 1/2 to one can each day

* 54.5% for 1 to 2 cans each day

* 57.1% for more than 2 cans each day.

For each can of diet soft drink consumed each day, a person's risk of obesity went up 41%.

Diet Soda No Smoking Gun

Fowler is quick to note that a study of this kind does not prove that diet soda causes obesity. More likely, she says, it shows that something linked to diet soda drinking is also linked to obesity.

"One possible part of the explanation is that people who see they are beginning to gain weight may be more likely to switch from regular to diet soda," Fowler suggests. "But despite their switching, their weight may continue to grow for other reasons. So diet soft-drink use is a marker for overweight and obesity."

Why? Nutrition expert Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, puts it in a nutshell.

"You have to look at what's on your plate, not just what's in your glass," Bonci tells WebMD.

People often mistake diet drinks for diets, says Bonci, director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and nutrition consultant to college and professional sports teams and to the Pittsburgh Ballet.

"A lot of people say, 'I am drinking a diet soft drink because that is better for me. But soft drinks by themselves are not the root of America's obesity problem," she says. "You can't go into a fast-food restaurant and say, 'Oh, it's OK because I had diet soda.' If you don't do anything else but switch to a diet soft drink, you are not going to lose weight."

...

nothing to add, I just wanted to point out that the study that RKMoney/ratdog points to consistantly as evidence states that there is no direct link between diet soda and weight gain.carry on.

Ok, but the original question was "is diet soda BAD for you?" It may not directly contribute to weight gain, but that doesn't mean that the stuff isn't bad for you to drink.

 

[jafo]

Diet soda has a bad aftertaste. The taste alone makes me want to puke, is that bad? I think so.

 

[BoulderBob]

I drink a bottle Coca-Cola, Root Beer, or Ginger Ale once or twice in a given year, much like I did during my childhood. I have tried a few cans of diet soda as well. I have yet to find a diet soda that doesn't taste like ####. I don't understand the individuals who drink this stuff when water is readily available. It boggles the mind. Must be something addictive in the chemicals, which in all likelyhood poison the human body.

 

[[icon]]

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO MODERATION PEOPLE

This is true with just about anything we put in our bodies.

Drink a diet soda or two a day = no problem

Drink a 2 liter or 7-8 cans a day = BAD

Go to McDonalds once a week = No problem

Eat Mcdonalds every other day = BAD

Have a few drinks on the weekend = no problem

Drink a fifth of scotch every night = BAD

Just use your heads... if you're drinking more than a couple sodas a day (even diet) you're doing damage to your teeth, your bones, developing a caffiene addiction, and likely causing some other issues (ie inducing sugar cravings). You should be drinking at least two glasses of water for every can of soda you drink.

 

[jhib]

]IT ALL COMES DOWN TO MODERATION PEOPLE

This is true with just about anything we put in our bodies.

Drink a diet soda or two a day = no problem

Drink a 2 liter or 7-8 cans a day = BAD

Go to McDonalds once a week = No problem

Eat Mcdonalds every other day = BAD

Have a few drinks on the weekend = no problem

Drink a fifth of scotch every night = BAD

Just use your heads... if you're drinking more than a couple sodas a day (even diet) you're doing damage to your teeth, your bones, developing a caffiene addiction, and likely causing some other issues (ie inducing sugar cravings). You should be drinking at least two glasses of water for every can of soda you drink.

Common sense is a powerful thing.

I'll add that the terms "bad for you" and "good for you" are too strong to describe something that is usually all relative. I remember some recent thread about cottage cheese in which someone posted not to eat 4% because that's bad for you. ?? Compared to 1%, sure, it's not as good for you. But that doesn't mean if you have a good, balanced diet that eating the 4% stuff once in a while is bad, especially if you're eating it instead of a piece of pizza.

So yeah, compared to water, diet soda's not as good for you. That's common sense.

 

[CrossEyed]

]IT ALL COMES DOWN TO MODERATION PEOPLE

This is true with just about anything we put in our bodies.

Drink a diet soda or two a day = no problem

Drink a 2 liter or 7-8 cans a day = BAD

Go to McDonalds once a week = No problem

Eat Mcdonalds every other day = BAD

Have a few drinks on the weekend = no problem

Drink a fifth of scotch every night = BAD

Just use your heads... if you're drinking more than a couple sodas a day (even diet) you're doing damage to your teeth, your bones, developing a caffiene addiction, and likely causing some other issues (ie inducing sugar cravings). You should be drinking at least two glasses of water for every can of soda you drink.

I might have to disagree with McDonald's once a week.

 

[[icon]]

,Jul 7 2006, 04:48 PM]IT ALL COMES DOWN TO MODERATION PEOPLE

This is true with just about anything we put in our bodies.

Drink a diet soda or two a day = no problem

Drink a 2 liter or 7-8 cans a day = BAD

Go to McDonalds once a week = No problem

Eat Mcdonalds every other day = BAD

Have a few drinks on the weekend = no problem

Drink a fifth of scotch every night = BAD

Just use your heads... if you're drinking more than a couple sodas a day (even diet) you're doing damage to your teeth, your bones, developing a caffiene addiction, and likely causing some other issues (ie inducing sugar cravings). You should be drinking at least two glasses of water for every can of soda you drink.

I might have to disagree with McDonald's once a week.

You would. Eating a ####ty meal like McDonalds once a week isn't going to kill anyone. I never said it was good for you.. I just said it's "no problem".... as in won't cause any real damage to your body.

 

[RKMoney]

Love when people talk about "moderation", we're talking about the USofA, correct?

If you do speed, meth, herion, coke, etc once a week only then it won't kill you or hurt you.

Let's all step back into reality. NOBODY has one diet drink a week, if so, why in the hell would you drink one a week? People who dink diet or sodas tend to be people who don't like water (no taste or don't like the taste).

I really don't know what planet some of you grew up on, but Coke (soft drink) was/is a pretty big deal in Texas while I grew up.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

,Jul 7 2006, 04:48 PM]IT ALL COMES DOWN TO MODERATION PEOPLE

This is true with just about anything we put in our bodies.

Drink a diet soda or two a day = no problem

Drink a 2 liter or 7-8 cans a day = BAD

Go to McDonalds once a week = No problem

Eat Mcdonalds every other day = BAD

Have a few drinks on the weekend = no problem

Drink a fifth of scotch every night = BAD

Just use your heads... if you're drinking more than a couple sodas a day (even diet) you're doing damage to your teeth, your bones, developing a caffiene addiction, and likely causing some other issues (ie inducing sugar cravings). You should be drinking at least two glasses of water for every can of soda you drink.

I might have to disagree with McDonald's once a week.

1 single cheesburger1 small fries

1 small diet coke

Do the math on that, and it isn't that terrible. For a once a week meal, you could do much, much worse.

 

[RKMoney]

I'm not saying anything, I posted a study that was done on diet soda drinkers who gained weight. Pick it apart all you want, go for it.

I know if I drink too much booze I want to smoke a cigarette. If I drink just a few or don't drink at all, cigs repulse me. Many people are like this. Or, don't eat chips because you can't stop eating them.

I see no point in drinking diet sodas. First, you don't even know what's in them and secondly from a study from a well known college has posted findings that there is a sig increase in weight.

If you don't even know what's in diet soda, it's hard to then say without a doubt you won't gain any weight from them.

Drink More Diet Soda, Gain More Weight?

Overweight Risk Soars 41% With Each Daily Can of Diet Soft Drink

By Daniel DeNoon

WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Charlotte Grayson, MD

on Monday, June 13, 2005

June 13, 2005 -- People who drink diet soft drinks don't lose weight. In fact, they gain weight, a new study shows.

The findings come from eight years of data collected by Sharon P. Fowler, MPH, and colleagues at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. Fowler reported the data at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association in San Diego.

...

Diet Soda No Smoking Gun

Fowler is quick to note that a study of this kind does not prove that diet soda causes obesity. More likely, she says, it shows that something linked to diet soda drinking is also linked to obesity.

"One possible part of the explanation is that people who see they are beginning to gain weight may be more likely to switch from regular to diet soda," Fowler suggests. "But despite their switching, their weight may continue to grow for other reasons. So diet soft-drink use is a marker for overweight and obesity."

Why? Nutrition expert Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, puts it in a nutshell.

"You have to look at what's on your plate, not just what's in your glass," Bonci tells WebMD.

People often mistake diet drinks for diets, says Bonci, director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and nutrition consultant to college and professional sports teams and to the Pittsburgh Ballet.

"A lot of people say, 'I am drinking a diet soft drink because that is better for me. But soft drinks by themselves are not the root of America's obesity problem," she says. "You can't go into a fast-food restaurant and say, 'Oh, it's OK because I had diet soda.' If you don't do anything else but switch to a diet soft drink, you are not going to lose weight."

...

nothing to add, I just wanted to point out that the study that RKMoney/ratdog points to consistantly as evidence states that there is no direct link between diet soda and weight gain.carry on.

true

 

[RKMoney]

,Jul 7 2006, 04:48 PM]IT ALL COMES DOWN TO MODERATION PEOPLE

This is true with just about anything we put in our bodies.

Drink a diet soda or two a day = no problem

Drink a 2 liter or 7-8 cans a day = BAD

Go to McDonalds once a week = No problem

Eat Mcdonalds every other day = BAD

Have a few drinks on the weekend = no problem

Drink a fifth of scotch every night = BAD

Just use your heads... if you're drinking more than a couple sodas a day (even diet) you're doing damage to your teeth, your bones, developing a caffiene addiction, and likely causing some other issues (ie inducing sugar cravings). You should be drinking at least two glasses of water for every can of soda you drink.

I might have to disagree with McDonald's once a week.

1 single cheesburger1 small fries

1 small diet coke

Do the math on that, and it isn't that terrible. For a once a week meal, you could do much, much worse.

you will gain weight with this plan and yes even once a week.

 

[RKMoney]

small fries and small coke

 

[jhib]

Love when people talk about "moderation", we're talking about the USofA, correct?

If you do speed, meth, herion, coke, etc once a week only then it won't kill you or hurt you.

Let's all step back into reality. NOBODY has one diet drink a week, if so, why in the hell would you drink one a week? People who dink diet or sodas tend to be people who don't like water (no taste or don't like the taste).

I really don't know what planet some of you grew up on, but Coke (soft drink) was/is a pretty big deal in Texas while I grew up.

Ok, reality check, then. I know plenty of people who drink a couple of sodas (diet or regular) a day, but really only with meals. It's not that they don't like the taste of water in general, but they don't like it with food.I'd like to see the data on people like that who switch from regular to diet. I would think it would take away that Mad Hatter thing, since the body would be getting calories at the same time that they are tasting them.

 

[RKMoney]

Love when people talk about "moderation", we're talking about the USofA, correct?

If you do speed, meth, herion, coke, etc once a week only then it won't kill you or hurt you.

Let's all step back into reality. NOBODY has one diet drink a week, if so, why in the hell would you drink one a week? People who dink diet or sodas tend to be people who don't like water (no taste or don't like the taste).

I really don't know what planet some of you grew up on, but Coke (soft drink) was/is a pretty big deal in Texas while I grew up.

Ok, reality check, then. I know plenty of people who drink a couple of sodas (diet or regular) diet cokes a day, but really only with meals. It's not that they don't like the taste of water in general, but they don't like it with food.I'd like to see the data on people like that who switch from regular to diet. I would think it would take away that Mad Hatter thing, since the body would be getting calories at the same time that they are tasting them.

I also know people who consume more junk food than the law should allow and they are still thin/appear healthy.Can't win this argument to be honest because someone will always pull out the "I drink sodas/diet sodas and have lost or never gain weight so that's bulls***" card.

As for the Mad Hatter thing, I agree, would be interesting but then if you now know about it, will you try harder to NOT eat foods that are not good (high calorie) for you? I assume the test was done on people who simply didn't know.

As for the different between diet and regular coke, I am sure you could consume MORE calories if diet drinks shoots off a craving to eat high calorie food. For example:

Someone goes to Wendy's and thinks about ordering the following:

1. Hamburger

2. Med Fries

3. Coke

Then decides to get a diet coke instead but orders:

1. Cheeseburger

2. Large Fries

3. Diet Coke

Heck, even with same order of fries, the cheese alone would more than makeup the difference.

 

[jhib]

Let's all step back into reality. NOBODY has one diet drink a week, if so, why in the hell would you drink one a week? People who dink diet or sodas tend to be people who don't like water (no taste or don't like the taste).

I probably drink one diet soda a week + one regular a week. I usually will drink the regular when we're at a restaurant and I know the tap water isn't so good. Or I'm getting something where water doesn't fly and I'm not in the mood for a beer (like pizza?). The diet comes when I'm just plain thirsty and I'm just not in the mood for water. We have a few cans in the fridge, and I drink one.Otherwise, I drink water or milk.

But I guess that's somebody, anyway.

 

[RKMoney]

Let's all step back into reality. NOBODY has one diet drink a week, if so, why in the hell would you drink one a week? People who dink diet or sodas tend to be people who don't like water (no taste or don't like the taste).

I probably drink one diet soda a week + one regular a week. I usually will drink the regular when we're at a restaurant and I know the tap water isn't so good. Or I'm getting something where water doesn't fly and I'm not in the mood for a beer (like pizza?). The diet comes when I'm just plain thirsty and I'm just not in the mood for water. We have a few cans in the fridge, and I drink one.Otherwise, I drink water or milk.

But I guess that's somebody, anyway.

Well, you said you drink two cokes a week though Ok, drinking two a week then, I am pretty confident you are in the .000001% who does this in regards to diet/regular soda drinkers. Soda sales are incredible in this country. Go outside USA and you don't see the near amount of people who are walking around with Big Gulp's of soda.

 

[jhib]

Let's all step back into reality. NOBODY has one diet drink a week, if so, why in the hell would you drink one a week? People who dink diet or sodas tend to be people who don't like water (no taste or don't like the taste).

I probably drink one diet soda a week + one regular a week. I usually will drink the regular when we're at a restaurant and I know the tap water isn't so good. Or I'm getting something where water doesn't fly and I'm not in the mood for a beer (like pizza?). The diet comes when I'm just plain thirsty and I'm just not in the mood for water. We have a few cans in the fridge, and I drink one.Otherwise, I drink water or milk.

But I guess that's somebody, anyway.

Well, you said you drink two cokes a week though Ok, drinking two a week then, I am pretty confident you are in the .000001% who does this in regards to diet/regular soda drinkers. Soda sales are incredible in this country. Go outside USA and you don't see the near amount of people who are walking around with Big Gulp's of soda.

Yeah, but only one diet a week, which is what you said Nobody does. So there. So really, though, what's the horrible thing, the soda or the habit of drinking it non-stop?

Just because a majority of the people in this country might have difficulty with the concept of moderation shouldn't be a reason to discount it as the sensible thing to do.

 

[RKMoney]

Let's all step back into reality. NOBODY has one diet drink a week, if so, why in the hell would you drink one a week? People who dink diet or sodas tend to be people who don't like water (no taste or don't like the taste).

I probably drink one diet soda a week + one regular a week. I usually will drink the regular when we're at a restaurant and I know the tap water isn't so good. Or I'm getting something where water doesn't fly and I'm not in the mood for a beer (like pizza?). The diet comes when I'm just plain thirsty and I'm just not in the mood for water. We have a few cans in the fridge, and I drink one.Otherwise, I drink water or milk.

But I guess that's somebody, anyway.

Well, you said you drink two cokes a week though Ok, drinking two a week then, I am pretty confident you are in the .000001% who does this in regards to diet/regular soda drinkers. Soda sales are incredible in this country. Go outside USA and you don't see the near amount of people who are walking around with Big Gulp's of soda.

Yeah, but only one diet a week, which is what you said Nobody does. So there. So really, though, what's the horrible thing, the soda or the habit of drinking it non-stop?

Just because a majority of the people in this country might have difficulty with the concept of moderation shouldn't be a reason to discount it as the sensible thing to do.

I would think if you took a chemical such as diet soda, which is basically a man made chemical drink and ran tests on it that saidA) Increases weight gain / not good for you but can't pin point exactly why

B) in larger doses, causes cancer in rats

then why even drink it? Drink water. Drink tea (unsweetened).