July 5/San Antonio, Texas/WLS -- Although intended to help consumers keep a sleek physique, diet sodas actually foster weight gain, according to a new study.
The research stemmed from a long-term study tracking the health of nearly 500 men and women for an average of 9.5 years. In comparing the weight of study participants who drank regular soda with those who drank diet soda, those drinking diet beverages saw their waistlines expand 70% faster than participants drinking regular soda. Other data showed those drinking two or more cans of diet soda per day had a 500% greater increase in waist circumference, indicating significant weight gain.