Dieting workers may want to avoid sugar-free sodas

1/31/2012

Employee wellness programs can help workers develop a weight loss plan that suits their unique needs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one third of Americans are obese, which greatly increases their chances of developing type 2 diabetes or experiencing a heart attack.

Some individuals may believe that the best way to shed pounds is to switch to diet foods. While some of these low-calorie snacks are a healthy alternative to traditional treats, people may want to skip the diet sodas. Researchers from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Columbia University Medical Center have discovered that these beverages may carry cardiovascular risks.

The scientists found that people who drank diet soda daily had a 43 percent increased chance of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Individuals who regularly consumed non-diet drinks, however, did not have an increased risk.

The scientists said that they are unsure as to why diet drinks appear to affect heart health, and say that more research is needed to determine the full risk of these beverages. 

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