A recent study conducted by scientists from Johns Hopkins University investigated the relationship between diet beverage consumption and calorie intake from solid foods in overweight and obese adults. The findings raise questions about the use of diet drinks for weight control in heavier individuals.
Key Findings: The study analyzed data from nearly 24,000 adults and examined the impact of diet beverage consumption on calorie intake, particularly from solid foods. The key findings include:
- Higher Diet Beverage Consumption in Overweight and Obese Adults: Approximately 10% of healthy-weight adults consumed diet beverages, while roughly 20% of overweight and obese adults consumed these drinks.
- Caloric Intake in Healthy-Weight Adults: Healthy-weight adults who consumed diet beverages tended to consume fewer calories from both food and beverages compared to those who drank sugary beverages.
- Caloric Intake in Overweight and Obese Adults: Among overweight and obese adults, total calorie intake was similar for both diet and sugary beverage consumers. However, those who consumed diet beverages tended to consume more calories in the form of solid foods.
- Solid-Food Intake in Obese Adults: Obese adults who consumed diet drinks had a significantly higher daily calorie intake from salty and sweet snacks compared to those who consumed sugary beverages.
Implications: The study suggests that overweight and obese adults who have switched from sugary to diet beverages may need to pay attention to their calorie intake from solid foods. While diet drinks may reduce calorie intake from beverages, they do not necessarily lead to overall reduced calorie consumption.
Future Research: Future studies may explore whether diet drinks help healthy-weight adults in maintaining their weight. The research highlights the complexity of calorie intake, beverage choices, and solid-food consumption in individuals with varying weight statuses.
Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of a holistic approach to weight control and diet. While diet beverages may offer a lower-calorie alternative to sugary drinks, their impact on overall calorie intake, particularly from solid foods, should be considered by overweight and obese adults seeking to manage their weight effectively.
Source: JAMA Network Open, “Caloric Intake and Food Choices of Adults Who Drink Sugar-Sweetened Beverages with and without Low-Calorie Sweeteners” by Sara N. Bleich et al.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Scientific Diet. All rights reserved.
