A recent study has added more weight (pun intended) to the argument that artificial sweeteners do not help people in controlling their weight – in fact, the consumption of diet drinks actually contributes to obesity.

This latest investigation on the subject was conducted by the National Institute on Aging and the National Institutes of Health in Baltimore, Maryland. The researchers analyzed data compiled from 1984 to 2006 as part of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

After correcting the data of the 1,454 study participants for lifestyle factors such as smoking, gender and diet, the team found a link between obesity levels, body size and the consumption of diet soda.

Chronic low-calorie sweetener consumption was shown to contribute to obesity, particularly abdominal obesity.

The study confirmed the results of previous studies showing a link between artificial sweeteners and obesity, and since the data involved a large sample group studied over a long period of time, the findings can be considered definitive proof that such a link exists. Read More