Metabolic Confusion
Some studies suggest artificial sweeteners interfere with insulin signaling and appetite regulation. This “confusion” may increase cravings or disrupt glucose handling, placing added stress on the liver.
Fat Storage Signals
Even without sugar, altered metabolic pathways may encourage the liver to store fat, contributing to fatty liver disease over time.
While these mechanisms are still being studied, they offer plausible reasons why diet soda may not be as harmless as once thought.
What This Means for Everyday Choices
One key takeaway is clear: simply avoiding sugary soda isn’t enough if you replace it with diet versions. From a liver health perspective, it may be better to cut back on all sweetened beverages—whether they contain sugar or artificial sweeteners.
In the same research, replacing just one soda per day with water was associated with a lower risk of developing MASLD. Water, herbal teas, sparkling water without sweeteners, and other unsweetened drinks appear to be safer options.
