Recent Study About the Link Between Diet Sodas and Abdominal Fat Reinforces Bedford Commons OB-GYN's Recommendation to Drink Plenty of Water
Bedford, New Hampshire (PRWEB) May 27, 2015 -- In support of a new study published in the April 2015 issue of the Journal of American Geriatrics Society about the link between consumption of diet sodas and abdominal obesity, Bedford Commons OB-GYN P.A. is reiterating the nutritional value of consuming water instead of non-nutritive sweetener-flavored beverages.
To examine the relationship between diet soda intake and long-term waist circumference, a comprehensive San Antonio Longitudinal Study of Aging (SALSA) tracked the soda consumption of 749 Mexican-American and European-American individuals age 65 and older for more than nine years. At periodic intervals, participants were queried about how many cans of soda they drank each day, and whether those beverages were diet or regular versions.
The results are hard to stomach. Even after adjusting for diabetes, smoking, physical activity and other factors, the change in waist circumference was .80 inches for non-diet soda drinkers, 1.83 inches for occasional users, and 3.16 inches for daily consumers – suggesting a positive relationship between diet soda intake and abdominal obesity that could lead to future heightened cardiometabolic risk.
Experts have additional theories why consuming diet sodas can result in weight gain. Some allege that their “hyper-sweetness” could affect the release of insulin, while others speculate that because consumers are “saving” calories in one area, they’re overcompensating in another.
The SALSA findings come as no surprise to many medical professionals, including the board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners at Bedford Commons OB-GYN.
“When it comes to diet sodas, their zero calories unfortunately mirror their nutritive value,” said Kristen Bannister, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. “Water is really the ideal beverage, and we recommend that our patients drink eight eight-ounce glasses each day for proper hydration, optimal body functioning, muscle and joint protection and beautiful skin. And since the SALSA study also suggests a link between diet sodas and increased abdominal fat, that’s even more reason to drink water instead of non-nutritive sweetener-flavored beverages.”
Bedford Commons OB-GYN is always accepting new patients. For more information, visit http://www.bcog.com or call (603) 668-4646.
About Bedford Commons OB-GYN, P.A.
Founded in 1982, Bedford Commons OB-GYN, P.A. has delivered uncommon care for women for over 30 years. Their skilled, compassionate physicians and staff combine quality medicine with individualized care to provide personalized, state-of-the-art health care services for women of all ages. Comprehensive on-site services include obstetrics and gynecology, well-woman exams, pediatric and adolescent gynecology, family planning, infertility treatments, menopausal and hormonal management, and diagnostic ultrasound. Bedford Commons OB-GYN has offices in Bedford and Derry, New Hampshire.
Gail Manginelli, Innerspire, http://www.innerspire.com, +1 603.232.7386, [email protected]
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