If you're planning to lose the weight gained thanks to the countless dinners during the holidays, latest reports claim chugging down a can of Diet Coke would do. But before you grab that bottle or can of Diet Coke, it's best to find out the truth about the said report. Does Diet Coke really help you lose weight?
An exclusive report by the Independent claims that the study stating Diet Coke helps one lose weight was secretly funded by none other than Coca-Cola. Apart from Coca-Cola, even PepsiCo was among the members who had funded the research. Ironically, the scientific study claiming Diet Coke helps in losing weight contradicts earlier research stating it leads to weight gain. So what is it really: does Diet Coke help you lose or gain weight?
"To suggest that diet drinks are healthier than drinking water is laughable unscientific nonsense," stated Dr Aseem Malhotra, a cardiologist and advisor of the National Obesity Forum, regarding the study. "If you want good science you cannot allow corporate sponsorship of research."
In fact, a study published by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society stated that Diet Soda caused triple abdominal fat in individuals who regularly consumed it. Apart from making you gain weight, diet sodas are laden with chemicals and artificial sweeteners that are harmful to the body.
As for Coca-Cola and PepsiCo research done by ILSI Europe, the research institute along with Bristol University stands by their study. They claim that Diet Coke indeed helps one lose weight rather than gain weight.
"This research was published in the International Journal of Obesity, a peer-reviewed journal, which means the data and conclusions have been scrutinised by other scientists. We therefore stand by the findings. It was funded by a range of bodies including the NHS and European Union, as well as ILSI Europe," stated a spokesperson for the University of Bristol.
Based on what countless research has to say, that which has not been influenced by the industry, Diet soda or Diet Coke does not lead to weight loss. Rather, the sugar-laden fizzy drink would likely lead to weight gain, particularly around the tummy area. So if you are looking to shed the extra pounds, opt for a healthier drink without the sugar-laden content. Diet coke, with or without the diet attached to it, isn't a healthy option if losing weight is your target.
