Ask the doctor: Are diet drinks safe?
I've been drinking Fresca since I was in college. Lately I've been reading that diet drinks may cause weight gain and have other bad effects. Is that true?Fresca is a diet soda containing aspartame, an FDA-approved artificial sweetener. Like all artificial sweeteners, it is far sweeter than sugar, and some scientific data suggest that artificial sweeteners affect the brain to increase the craving for more sweets. This might explain the association with weight gain even though diet sodas have few or no calories.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
