Study: Low-Calorie Soda May Not Be Helping Your Diet

A diet soda may not be the best choice for your diet. New research from Purdue University suggests that artificial sweeteners may interfere with the body's ability to count calories based on the level of sweetness.

Rats given artificially sweetened chocolate ate more than the animals given the real thing.

Researchers said it takes more of the artificially sweetened food and drink to make the body feel full.

They believe the animal findings may help explain why so many people in this country struggle with obesity despite the overwhelming number of diet food and drinks on the market.

The study also found that thick liquids like pudding weren't as satisfying as solid foods and the animals ate more before feeling full.

Researchers note in their report that the number of Americans consuming sugar-free products increased from less than 70 million in 1987 to more than 160 million in 2000.

During the same period, the consumption of regular soft drinks increased by more than 15 gallons per capita annually.