The Claim
A 12-week substitution of sugar-sweetened beverages with water reduces the liking for 12% and 24% sucrose solutions in young healthy adults, whereas substitution with artificially-sweetened beverages does not reduce liking for these solutions.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Replacing sugary drinks with water for 12 weeks reduces how much young healthy adults like very sweet solutions, but replacing them with diet drinks does not.
See the scientific wording
Switching from sugar-sweetened beverages to water for 12 weeks reduces liking for highly concentrated sucrose solutions (12% and 24%) in young healthy adults, while switching to artificially-sweetened beverages does not produce the same effect, suggesting that complete removal of sweet taste may alter sweet preference thresholds.
When people stop consuming sugary drinks, their tongue and brain stop getting constant strong sweet signals. Over time, the brain reduces its response to sweetness, so very sweet things don't feel as rewarding anymore. People who keep drinking diet drinks still get strong sweet signals, so their brain doesn't adjust.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Switching from Sugar- to Artificially-Sweetened Beverages: A 12-Week Trial
When young adults stopped drinking sugary drinks and drank only water for 12 weeks, they started liking super-sweet things less. But those who switched to diet drinks still liked them just as much.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.