Energy balance
Consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks (SSD) is associated with increased body weight and obesity, but the effect size is generally small and statistically significant only in specific subgroups (e.g., children overweight at baseline, high consumers, or specific demographics like females in some studies).
If you drink sugar-sweetened soft drinks, reducing them may help with weight management, especially if you are already overweight or consume them in large quantities. However, simply cutting SSD without addressing overall diet and physical activity may have a small impact. Be aware that diet sodas are not necessarily a 'free' pass, as some studies suggest they may also be associated with weight issues in certain groups.
Most studies suggest that the effect of SSD is small except in susceptible individuals or at high levels of intake.
Why this rating
The review includes observational studies with methodological weaknesses and few high-quality long-term interventions, leading to 'equivocal' or 'inconclusive' findings in many cases.
Source
Sugar-sweetened soft drinks and obesity: a systematic review of the evidence from observational studies and interventions
Sigrid Gibson · Nutrition Research Reviews · 2008
DOI 10.1017/s0954422408110976
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