Diet Soda and Weight Gain? Study Light On Facts

Two days ago, I wrote about how Harvard had reconfirmed that drinking diet soda will not result in weight gain. Just like a soap opera plot-twist in midweek, I see a new study is trying to argue that diet soda, a calorie-free food, is somehow responsible for weight gain.

I try to keep an open mind about these things, but I’m finding it difficult because the study in question, by doctors at the University of Texas - San Antonio, has plenty of allegations, but little scientific proof. It was presented last week at the 2011 American Diabetes Association conference.

Boldly titled, “Diet Soft Drink Consumption Is Associated with Increased Waist Circumference in the San Antonio Longitudinal Study of Aging,” this study is based on research that has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal, but instead has only been presented at a meeting. It’s quick to point the finger at my beloved diet soda, but comes up light on supporting data and the research is in abstract form.

The methods used are pretty questionable sounding. It didn’t account for factors like foods and beverages that participants ate, nor did it consider that the participants (aged 65-74) could have simply been using diet soda to help cut calories while trying to lose weight. We’ve all heard our parents and grandparents talk about how they’re trying to fight a slowing metabolism and weight gain. An increase in waist circumference could easily been caused by other dietary factors and lifestyle habits.

What’s really ironic is that the American Diabetes Association and the American Dietetic Association support the use of low-calorie sweeteners! The American Dietetic Association has stated, "Nonnutritive sweeteners are appropriate in medical nutrition therapy for people with diabetes and may help control energy intake." Energy intake, aka calories.

Sorry, but I’m calling shenanigans on this new study!
On that note, I think I’ll crack open one of the Karl Lagerfeld bottles of Diet Coke my friend Stephanie brought me back from her trip to London. It’s very chic!