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Water Versus Diet Drinks for Overweight Women With Type 2 Diabetes

A new study with overweight and obese women who have type 2 diabetes found that those who drank water instead of diet sodas had greater decreases in weight, body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and 2-hour postprandial glucose compared with a diet beverage group, according to Endocrinology Advisor.

I’ve talked about the false promises of so-called “diet” beverages before, but if you still need an incentive for giving up diet drinks in favor of good, clean, pure water, then this is it, especially if you’re looking to lose weight. According to this study’s final analysis: "Replacement of diet beverages with water after the main meal in obese adult women with type 2 diabetes may lead to more weight reduction during a weight loss program."

This only adds to other research that has shown that diet soda adds inches to the waists of seniors, and tends to promote weight gain rather than prevent it. The answer then, whether you’re looking to lose weight or simply maintain a good weight, is to follow the new study’s recommendation to replace those sodas with water.

If you struggle with weight or chronic health issues, replacing soda and other sweet drinks, including fruit juices, with pure water could be one of the best things you could possibly do. If you crave some flavor, try adding some lime or lemon juice to still or sparkling water. Tea is another option.