Can I lose weight and drink Coke Zero?

[Lose6pounds]

I’ve just discovered Coke Zero and 7up free. I never usually drank fizzy drinks because I was afraid of the calories. I’m trying to lose weight. Am I kidding myself?

They don't have any calories, so...

Diet drinks have barely any calories so yes. Do you understand how calories work? It's important to understand this stuff if you want to lose weight and keep it off.

no, you cant use them if you are trying to lose weight. They are chock full of artificial sweeteners, and it is now known that artificial sweeteners cause identical insulin spikes to real sugar, as your taste can't tell them apart, and triggers the same response. Insulin spikes lead to obesity.

Yikes and thanks! This is what I was suspecting somewhere in the back of my brain. I could go back to squash and sparkling water?

It’s utter liquid junk, so not much of a signal you’re trying to improve your body tbh.

That's not 'known' at all. It's a theory, but not a fact. I did the Zoe thing and monitored blood glucose. Drinking a can of Diet Coke did nothing at all to my insulin.

Squash also contains artificial sweeteners :/

I was reading the other day about effects that all carbonated drinks can have on insulin levels (leading to fat storage). Even fizzy WATER can have an impact - apparently the interpretation is to do with the extra pressure on the stomach wall or something. I don’t have the source to hand but always worth remembering that there is a lot more going on with weight and metabolism than calories in vs calories out.

Disclaimer: I am a fat Diet Coke fiend, I’m working on it (badly)

I’d say if you don’t drink them, then why start?

I've lost nearly nine kilos over the last few months. I have a coke zero nearly every day as they are free in the work fridge. It's essentially fizzy water, additives, flavourings and caffiene. You won't put on weight but if you're not disciplined the caffiene high / low can have you reaching for the biscuit tin.

Some actual research, recent, on the two sweeteners in Coke Zero (and other drinks).

If you are concerned then try just sparkling water instead.

www.diabetes.co.uk/in-depth/study-review-do-sweeteners-affect-insulin-levels-and-sensitivity-2/

I still have a coke zero a day when fasting, still lose weight. You shouldn’t live on it obviously-but one can of coke zero is my vice I won’t give up. I don’t drink tea or coffee though and have lots of water too.

You get some people that drink 3 litres of it a day and that’s terrible for you obviously, but in moderation it’s absolutely fine.

Thanks - evidence does NOT indicate that sweeteners cause insulin spikes.

People are talking nonsense when they say diet sodas will stop you losing weight. I lost 5 stone for my wedding. Drank diet coke the entire time.
It's not the healthiest thing but it's nice as a treat. It's not as healthy as drinking water obviously.. but it's much better than full sugar soda and anyone who tells you it isn't is just lying.
It has next to no calories in. Of course its not some magic weight loss aid, but if you are in a calorie deficit then drinking coke zero will not stop your weight loss at all.

@Lose6pounds
Years ago I did Slimming World they advised against diet drinks because they encouraged a sweet tooth.

The last month or so I've been back on the diet coaster and decided to cut back on the sweeties and diet drinks. Not stopped, just cut back.

Today I grabbed a can of coke zero, drank half with lunch and left the other half to after a meeting.
On its own, maybe a little flat, it tasted disgusting and really really sweet. I actually tipped it down the sink.

If you don't currently drink them don't bother starting. I definitely think their is something in the comments of them encouraging a sweet tooth

many many other trials have concluded the opposite. Here is one of many many many

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7014832/

Sorry I wasn’t being clear. I just “discovered” the delights of these drinks a month or so ago. I was drinking 2 of those little bottle of beer but moved to Coke Zero. I have a very well developed sweet tooth so that ship has sailed

Oh for goodness sake. This is rubbish research and is not relevant to the OP’s question. For starters the subjects are T2 diabetics. Just because something is on Pub Med doesn’t mean it’s decent research. It’s rubbish.

To answer your question OP, as Coke Zero contains zero calories and zero carbohydrates, it can’t therefore cause an insulin spike.

Of course, insulin spikes are a perfectly normal response to consuming calories and a functioning pancreas will do its job.

So yes of course Coke Zero can help you if you’re in a calorie deficit. As with all things, even water, it’s the dose that’s important.

I drink probably over a litre of Coke Zero a day on average (I know, I know) and I’ve lost 4.5 stone in the last year.

I’ve lost three stones while drinking Diet Coke daily. Draw your own conclusion.

Yes, I've lost 4 stone and had diet drinks semi regularly throughout. They can be really helpful in satisfying a sweet craving.

I started my weight loss at 16st 5lbs in October last year, I'm now 11st 12lbs and losing a steady 2ish lbs each week. I drink a lot of still water and also diluting juice, but I also have Diet Coke or Coke Zero most days too! Usually a glass or two but it hasn't affected my weight loss. Enjoy your Coke Zero OP, just remember it can bloat us if we have too much (due to the carbonation possibly) Good luck with your weight loss journey!

I’ve replaced my fat coke obsession with very cold Coke Zero and it is keeping me going. 4.5kg in 5 weeks without feeling like I’m depriving myself. The risk to my health of being several stone overweight is likely greater than the risk of artificial sweeteners so I’ll carry on for now while chipping away at the number on the scale.

Those with the big loses - what diet have you been using?