The San Antonio Heart Study by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio has shown that the more pop or soda a person drinks, the more likely he is to be overweight or to become overweight, particularly if the soda pop is diet. In the American diet, one out of every five calories consumed is liquid and that liquid is typically soda pop. It is America's biggest "food."
Obesity
Obesity is caused by a number of factors --- genetics, sedentary lifestyle, medications --- and a variety of other factors, but studies have shown that soda pop is closely linked to weight gain, and weight gain is closely linked to type 2 diabetes. A study at Princeton showed that rats who consumed high fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, gained much more weight than their counterparts who consumed table sugar, even thought the overall caloric intake was the same. HFCS is a major ingredient in soda pop.
Sweeteners
Calories from sugar sweetened beverages are biologically different than those from food. HFCS increases triglycerides in the blood, which then increases the risk of heart problems and diabetes. HFCS does not trigger production of insulin. It also doesn't trigger the release of leptin. Leptin dampens appetite. HFCS doesn't lead to fullness, so the body just wants more and more. It also replaces healthier beverages such as water, milk and juice in the diet.
Diabetes
A study in the journal "Diabetes Care" shows that the consumption of soda pop is linked to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a combination of high blood pressure, excess body fat around the waist and other factors that lead to increased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The findings of this study showed that drinking one to two soda pops a day upped the risk of type 2 diabetes by 26 percent and metabolic syndrome by 20 percent.
Conclusion
Basically, no, you can't lose weight and drink soda pop, even if it is diet soda. Reducing the number of processed foods consumed, including soda pop, and increasing vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meats can make a significant difference. Dieting without exercising isn't going to work well, so add in some exercise, whether it is walking, using Wii Fit, or whatever you like to do, do it. Weight loss comes down to less calories in, more calories out.
References
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio: New Analysis Suggests "Diet Soda Paradox" --- Less Sugar, More Weight
- The San Diego Union-Tribune: Soda Causes Obesity, Researchers Assert
- Science Daily: Sodas, Other Sugary Beverages Linked to Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome
- High-Fructose Corn Syrup Prompts Considerably More Weight Gain, Researchers Find
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