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Guzzling Diet Coke will not keep you slim: people who opt for low calorie soft drinks "consume 200 extra calories a day"
- Scientists from George Washington University in Washington DC conducted the study
- They examined information on the diet of more than 7,000 children in a database.
- Children who prefer dietary drinks consume 200 calories more than water drinkers
Research has shown that diet sodas will not reduce children's weight because they end up eating more.
Although beverages are designed to be healthier by eliminating sugar, children who choose them consume it differently.
The researchers examined the diet of more than 7,000 children in the United States and found that only those who drank mostly water consumed fewer calories.
Non-alcoholic beverages, whether healthy or not, boosted children's calories – while sugary drinks had a worse effect, dietary drinks were still significantly worse than water.
Those who drink diet drinks consume about 200 extra calories in their diets and more added sugar in other foods and drinks.
The scientists said their findings suggest that dietary drinks are of no use in trying to lose weight.
One study reveals that dietary drinks are healthier than their high sugar substitute, but that they can still increase the number of calories per child, even if they do not contain it.
Researchers from George Washington University in Washington DC conducted this research as part of ongoing work on the drawbacks of soft drinks.
Dr. Allison Sylvetsky, author of the study, said, "These findings challenge the usefulness of dietary drinks or low calorie sweetened beverages to reduce calories and manage weight.
"Our findings suggest that water should be recommended as the best choice for children and adolescents."
Dr. Sylvetsky's research reveals that, compared to children who drink mostly water, those who drink diet drinks consume 196 extra calories a day.
Children who mainly drink sugary drinks consume an additional 312 calories, while those who drink both diet and whole sugar provide an enormous amount of 450 calories a day.
A 10 year old should only need about 2,000 calories a day. Therefore, drinking sodas regularly could take up to a quarter of one's energy for the day.
A can of fat Coca-Cola contains 139 calories, which would help give energy to the body, while Diet Coke does not contain it.
People who drink sugar-free drinks may feel more hungry afterwards, which makes them eat or drink more, according to previous research.
Scientists have said this study is important because many of the children are overweight in Western countries.
In the United States, nearly one-third of children are overweight, and about 30% of 11-year-olds in the United Kingdom.
Being overweight in childhood makes people more likely to be fat adults and at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease or cancer.
The use of dietary drinks in weight management is controversial and Dr. Sylvetsky said that children also consumed low calorie sweeteners elsewhere in their diet.
His previous research revealed that consumption of these sugar-free sweeteners increased by 200% among children and adolescents between 1999 and 2012.
Dr. Sylvetsky suggests giving the children a sparkling water mixed with 100% fruit juice and a handful of fresh fruit.
The team's research was published in the journal Pediatric Obesity.
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