Diet Soda Linked to Weight Gain

July 1, 2011 - PRLog -- NEWS RELEASE

Contact – Travis Merritt/travis@rechargefitness.com/972.834.3937

Diet Soda Linked to Weight Gain
New Study is a Wake Up Call for “Diet” Drinkers

07/01/2011 Rowlett Texas It is well known that excess sugar consumption leads directly to weight gain. This explains the popularity of artificially sweetened “diet” drinks which do not contain any sugar. However, diet drinks make you fat as well.

At least, that’s the word from the authors of two new studies that were presented at a meeting in San Diego for the American Diabetes Association.  (CBS News)

One study followed over 400 diet soda drinkers for 10 years and found that their waist sizes increased 70% more than non-consumers. Those who consumed two or more diet sodas per day increased their waist sizes five times more than those who avoided diet drinks entirely.

“They may be free of calories but not of consequences,” Dr. Helen Hazuda, professor of medicine at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, said in a written statement.

“These results suggest that – amidst the national drive to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks – policies which would promote the consumption of DSDs (diet soft drinks) may have unintended deleterious effects.”

Health risks such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer increase as waist size grows.
The other study revealed mice that were fed with food laced with artificial sweetener had higher blood sugar levels than mice eating normal food.

"Artificial sweeteners could have the effect of triggering appetite, but unlike regular sugars, they don't deliver something that will squelch the appetite," said Sharon Fowler, co-author of both studies.

So, what should we be drinking?

“Beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks are all loaded with sugar and will contribute directly to weight gain,” said Travis Merritt, certified personal trainer and owner of Fitness Revolution in Rowlett.

“These studies show that diet drinks are not the answer either. We recommend water or green tea.”

At Fitness Revolution here in Rowlett, Travis says that all prospects, not just paying clients, receive a complete meal and beverage plan when they first come in for a fitness evaluation.

“We do what we can to help the community. We realize that our training programs are not for everyone,” says Travis. “But we want to give people something valuable just for taking the time to come in and learn about their health.”

If you would like to learn more about the Fitness Revolution meal plan and receive a free two week membership to their training program, contact Travis Merritt at travis@rechargefitnes.com or 972.834.3937.