Sugar in Processed Foods – UCSF

Some experts think artificial sweeteners trick the body’s feedback mechanisms and increase cravings for food; if so, using them would not be helpful in weight loss. But as a previous study showed, there’s little evidence of that aside from unscientific studies showing that people who drink diet drinks tend to gain weight; correlation not proving causation, more studies are needed.

A new study featured in this Reason piece by Ronald Bailey is closer to scientific in that it compares results against an otherwise similar control group which was not asked to use diet beverages, and it shows a small weight-loss effect by drinking diet beverages instead of water, presumably because the artificially-sweetened beverages were more satisfying and reduced other food consumption.

I personally enjoy a diet soda (currently favoring ginger ale) for its refreshing effect; a little carbonated sweet flavor is very satisfying. And I have very low body fat as a result of a low-carb diet.

For more on diet and weight loss:

Getting to Less Than 10% Body Fat Like the Models – Ask Me How!
Starbucks, Jamba Juice Make You Fat
Fat Doesn’t Make You Fat. Government Guidelines Did!
‘Fed Up’ Asks, Are All Calories Equal?
Fructose: The True Villain?
More on “Fed Up”, Sugar Subsidies, and Obesity
LeBron James Cut Carbs for Lean Look
Why We’re Fat: In-Depth Studies Under Way
Almonds: Superfood, Eat Them Daily for Heart Health
Fish Oil Supplements Ward Off Dementia
More on Diet Drinks: Best Studies Show They Aid Weight Loss
Vani Hari: “Food Babe” and Quack
Cleanses and Detox Diets: Quackery
Sugared Soft Drinks: Health Risk? (and What About Diet Soda?)
Gluten-Free Diets: The Nocebo Effect
Acidic Soft Drinks and Sodas: Demineralization Damages Teeth
Fish and Fish Oil for Better Brain Health
Salt: New Research Says Too Little May Be Unhealthy
Bulletproof Coffee: Coffee, Oil, and Butter for Breakfast?