Link between soft drinks and obesity proved

Confirming the previous speculations about link between soft drinks and obesity a study says that the soft drinks can alter the way body burns fuel making difficult to lose weight.

?This study proves our concerns over sugary drinks have been correct. Not only can regular sugar intake acutely change our body metabolism,? Hans-Peter Kubis of Britain?s Bangor University and lead author of the research has been quoted as saying.

?In fact, it seems that our muscles are able to sense the sugars and make our metabolism more inefficient, not only in the present but in the future as well,? Kubis adds further.

The researchers even cautioned people saying that soft drinks could be dangerous for your long term health and advised people to replace it with plain water.

The team of researchers also showed that isolated muscle cells recognize and respond to the sugary diet, and switch how they use the fuel.

?Together with our findings about how drinking soft drinks dulls the perception of sweetness, our new results give a stark warning against regularly drinking sugar sweetened drinks,? Kubis has been quoted saying.

The researchers observed that the male and female participants who were light in activity earlier come across an inefficient metabolism after consumption of soft drinks for just four weeks.

These results hints that regular use of sugar added soft drinks alters muscles similar to those in people having obesity and type 2 diabetes.

From these research findings it is evident that our body adjusts to regular soft drink intake and changes itself for the future diet by altering muscle metabolism through altered gene activity. This prompts unhealthy adaptations similar to those seen in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

--With inputs from IANS