Mixed
Observational studies linking LCS beverage consumption to increased risks of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and dementia are likely confounded by reverse causation and adiposity, rather than indicating a direct causal harm from LCS beverages.
Don't panic about the headlines linking diet soda to diabetes or stroke. The science suggests that people who are already overweight or unhealthy are more likely to drink diet soda, not that the soda causes the disease. However, since water is still the best choice, use LCS beverages as a tool to cut sugar, not as a health tonic.
The association was attenuated to 8% after adjustment for adiposity, which implies that most of the association between LCS beverages and type 2 diabetes mellitus might be attributable to concurrent high adiposity... people trying to control their weight consume LCS beverages as one strategy, with an overall approach to weight control that is typically unsuccessful.
Why this rating
Based on the interpretation of observational studies and meta-analyses, which have limitations like reverse causation.
Source
Low-Calorie Sweetened Beverages and Cardiometabolic Health: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association
Rachel K. Johnson et al. · Circulation · 2018
DOI 10.1161/cir.0000000000000569
More from this paper
- Substituting low-calorie sweetened (LCS) beverages for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is an effective strategy to reduce energy intake and promote weight loss in adults, particularly habitual SSB consumers.Good
- Prolonged consumption of LCS beverages is advised against in children due to a lack of long-term safety data and potential adverse effects on taste preferences and metabolic health.Moderate
Related findings · Mixed
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- For patients with Class III obesity (BMI >39.9 kg/m2), metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is significantly more effective than any currently approved medication, with BilioPancreatic Diversion (BPD) showing the highest estimated weight loss.Strong
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 →