Adherence
Observational studies show a positive association between NNS consumption and weight gain or obesity incidence, suggesting a complex relationship where NNS use may be a marker for existing weight issues rather than a cause.
While some long-term studies link diet drink consumption to weight gain, this is likely because people who are already gaining weight switch to diet drinks. If you are trying to lose weight, swapping sugary drinks for diet drinks is still a valid strategy to reduce calories, but you must be aware that you might be using them to justify other poor food choices.
A 2008 study examining the San Antonio Heart Study population reported a positive dose-response association between artificially sweetened beverage consumption... and incidence of overweight/obesity... The association was consistent across sex and ethnicity; overall, the change in BMI was 47% greater among NNS users than nonusers after adjusting for baseline BMI and demographic and behavioral characteristics.
Why this rating
Based on prospective observational studies which are limited by confounding and reverse causality, as explicitly stated by the authors.
Source
Nonnutritive Sweeteners: Current Use and Health Perspectives
Christopher D. Gardner et al. · Diabetes Care · 2012
DOI 10.2337/dc12-9002
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This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →