How Diet Soda Thwarts Your Weight Loss Efforts

If you're looking to lose weight, switching to a low-calorie diet soda may seem a logical move. Unfortunately, it's a mistake that actually can cause you to gain weight. Scientists put the blame squarely on the loads of artificial sweeteners that diet sodas contain and the effect it can have on both your body and your brain.

In a recent study by Purdue University's Ingestive Behavior Research Center, rats that ingested no-calorie sweeteners ate more, gained more weight and packed on more body fat than did rats that ate regular table sugar. Researchers surmised that the appetite boost, weight gain and fat gain all resulted from the effects of artificial sweeteners on the brain.

The Purdue researchers' conclusion backs up prior research by the University of California - San Diego, which shows that the brain uses a learned relationship between sweetened foods and beverages and the calories that they provide to help regulate appetite and food intake. Taking in artificial sweeteners throws off the brain's ability to register sugar-related caloric intake, causing your mind to think that your body isn't getting enough calories. This can significantly boost your appetite, causing you to overeat and back on extra pounds. Plus, prolonged ingestion of certain artificial sweeteners has been linked with serious health issues including thyroid problems and some cancers.

If you're looking to lose weight, nutrition specialists with Metabolic Research Center can help develop a diet and exercise plan tailored just for you. Call 800-501-8090 to schedule a consultation.