If you have diabetes, you may have tried products like Diet Coke, or other drinks and nutrition bars with artificial sweeteners. It's easy to see why! The products tend to taste great, and the low-calories offer weight loss benefits. But, like any product, there isn't anything without zero risk or side effects.

A new study is showing that the use of artificial sweeteners is linked to obesity and diabetes. So, suggestions for switching from regular Coke to Diet Coke may not actually be a beneficial health change. According to the lead researcher for the study, Brian Hoffmann, Ph.D., "In our studies, both sugar and artificial sweeteners seem to exhibit negative effects linked to obesity and diabetes, albeit through very different mechanisms from each other."

It's also possible that more people are now using artificial sweeteners in an effort to cut calories and sugar intake. But, while there may be some weight loss, there may be long-term consequences. What's important to understand is that artificial sweeteners may increase the risk of diabetes and obesity in a different way, and by different mechanisms than regular sugar.

According to Hoffman, “What I like to tell people is that most things in moderation are going to be fine. So if you enjoy your diet soda here and there, then have your diet soda here and there. If you like your normal soda here and there, have it here and there."

Read the study here.

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Do you currently eat and drink products containing artificial sweeteners? Let us know in the comments below on what your thoughts are on them!

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