An expert explained what you should drink instead if you still crave something carbonated.
That can of diet soda you grab for a guilt-free refreshment might not be as safe as it seems. A new study has revealed that low- or zero-sugar drinks could harm your health just as much as, or even more than, their sugary counterparts.
Many people love a fizzy drink with a meal or use diet versions as a way to cut calories while still enjoying a sweet taste. But new findings show that whether your drink is made with sugar or artificial sweeteners, it could still put your body at risk.
For fans of diet cola, sparkling lemonade, or even trendy “dirty sodas,” researchers now warn that both types of drinks could raise the risk of liver damage and other serious health issues.
At the UEG Week 2025 conference, scientists presented new evidence showing that both sugar-sweetened and diet sodas are linked to a greater risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
MASLD is now considered the most common form of chronic liver disease worldwide. It develops when fat accumulates inside the liver, making it harder for the organ to function properly, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Over time, this buildup can lead to inflammation, discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss — all signs that the liver is under strain.
Your daily soda habit could increase your risk of liver diseaseGetty Stock Image
The study, led by researcher Lihe Liu from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University in Suzhou, China, tracked participants using detailed 24-hour dietary surveys to record what beverages they drank.
Researchers analyzed how soda consumption affected the chances of developing MASLD, fat buildup in the liver, and liver-related deaths. Their analysis revealed that people who drank sugar-sweetened drinks had a 60 percent higher risk of developing MASLD, while those who consumed diet sodas still faced a 50 percent higher risk.