cansDrinking diet beverages containing artificial sweeteners have been accused of altering the hormonal balance within the body, causing people to eat more.  A recent study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health evaluated over 300 overweight adults who consumed greater than 280 calories per day of drinks, comparing the weight loss of individuals randomized into three different groups.  One group subsituted two non-diet drinks per day with water, another group substituted two non-diet drinks with diet drinks (i.e. diet Coke), while the last group continued consuming non-diet drinks.  After six months, both the group consuming water and the group consuming diet-drinks exhibited weight loss.  It is important to note that the subjects in this study were all trying to lose weight.  When evaluating research do you usually consider other variables that may affect the study outcome and may be difficult to control? What are your thoughts about this study?

 

Please visit Reuters to read more on this study.

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