Four key points to remember from the recent soda and liver disease study 

We all know that sugary sodas are not great for our health, but a compelling new study is raising eyebrows about something many of us often choose instead: diet or zero-sugar drinks. According to a recent article posted on Fox News, people who regularly consume diet beverages may have even higher risks of developing liver disease than those who drink regular sugary sodas. In light of this, it’s smart to look closer at what the research says—and what it could mean for you. Dr. Alexander Shapsis of EndoSlim Clinic at Atlantic Gastroenterology in Brooklyn, New York, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and Obesity Medicine physician who takes the time to break down the facts gathered from this study — and what can be done to improve overall health and wellness today.

1. The study sample: over 120,000 adults followed for a decade.

The research tracked more than 120,000 individuals over about 10 years who initially had no diagnosed liver disease. During that period, the researchers recorded the participants’ beverage intake, whether sugary sodas or low‐/no‐sugar sodas (often labeled “diet”), and monitored for the onset of a serious liver condition known as metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), also often called fatty liver disease not caused by alcohol.

2. Higher risk associated with both sugary and diet drinks, but diet drinks may carry more risk.

Here’s the eye-opening part: people who used sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), such as energy drinks, sweet tea, or regular soda, were approximately 50% more likely to develop MASLD. But those who drank low‐ or no‐sugar sweetened beverages (or LNSSBs) like diet drinks had about a 60% higher risk. What this means is that swapping from regular to diet soda may not protect your liver and might be associated with worse outcomes in this study. It’s a big reminder that “zero sugar” doesn’t automatically mean “zero risk.”

3. Water substitution helped reduce risk, but swapping one soda for another didn’t.

The study found that replacing either sugary or diet drinks with plain water was associated with up to a 15% lower risk of liver disease. However, switching from a sugary drink to a diet drink did not meaningfully reduce the risk. In other words, the best move, at least in this research, was to drink water rather than rely on “diet” versions of soda as the healthier alternative.

4. What you can do today to protect your liver and overall health.

There are several recommendations Dr. Shapsis might suggest for you. Consider cutting back on both sugary and diet/zero-sugar beverages. Make water your default choice, and be mindful of the rest of your diet and lifestyle choices. Also, take time to talk to your healthcare provider at our office to discuss if you have any pre-existing conditions or risk factors for liver disease, which may increase the chances of related issues, such as excess weight, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.

Call our board-certified gastroenterologist today!

If you are concerned about your liver health or want a professional assessment of how your beverage and dietary habits may be affecting your digestive system, consider scheduling a consultation with board‐certified gastroenterologist Dr. Alexander Shapsis of EndoSlim Clinic at Atlantic Gastroenterology in Brooklyn, NY. He has several office locations throughout the area, as well as in Florida, that can serve both new and established patients. Dial 718 521-2840 today! 

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