Your daily soda — whether it’s a full-sugar classic or a “diet” version — might be doing more harm than you think.
A new study presented at UEG Week 2025 has linked both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened carbonated beverages to an increased risk of developing Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) — a serious condition that affects millions globally.
And it’s not just regular soda drinkers who are at risk. Even your so-called “healthy” zero-sugar or diet soda might quietly be harming your liver.
What Is MASLD and Why Is It Dangerous?
MASLD (previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
It occurs when too much fat accumulates in the liver, often due to poor diet, high sugar intake, and sedentary lifestyles. Over time, this buildup can cause inflammation, scarring, and liver failure.
Symptoms may include:
- Persistent pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- Fatigue or weakness
- Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
If untreated, MASLD can progress to cirrhosis or even liver cancer — both life-threatening conditions.
For more on metabolic health and wellness, explore the Health section on Viral Sensei.
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The Study That Shocked Experts
The research, led by Lihe Liu, a graduate student at the Department of Gastroenterology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China, analyzed beverage habits over time using detailed dietary questionnaires.
The team followed thousands of participants over a median period of 10.3 years, assessing their soda consumption patterns and subsequent liver health outcomes.
Findings showed that people who regularly consumed sugar-sweetened drinks had a 60% higher risk of developing MASLD. Surprisingly, those who preferred diet or artificially sweetened sodas weren’t far behind — facing a 50% increased risk compared to those who avoided fizzy drinks altogether.
Over the study period, 1,178 participants developed MASLD, and 108 died from liver-related causes.
This groundbreaking analysis was first shared through EurekAlert! and highlighted during the 2025 UEG Week conference.
Why Diet Drinks May Be Just as Harmful
While most people assume diet sodas are the “healthier” alternative, the study’s findings suggest otherwise.
Researchers noted that even a single can of diet soda per day could raise the risk of developing liver fat accumulation. The issue may lie in how artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose interact with the body.
According to the study, these sweeteners can:
- Disrupt the gut microbiome (the balance of bacteria in your intestines)
- Trigger sweet cravings, leading to higher overall sugar consumption
- Alter insulin sensitivity, affecting how your body processes glucose
Liu explained that this combination could “promote metabolic stress and encourage fat buildup in the liver.”
The findings were also summarized by Medical News Today, which emphasized how even non-sugar drinks can influence metabolic function.
Both Regular and Diet Sodas Linked to Liver Fat
Researchers found that both types of soda — sugary and artificially sweetened — were positively associated with higher liver fat levels.
While traditional soda intake did not directly link to liver-related deaths, consumption of low- or no-sugar drinks was associated with an increased risk of liver-related mortality.
This suggests that simply switching from regular soda to diet soda may not protect you from liver damage — it may only change how the damage develops.
For readers interested in the long-term impact of diet habits, check out the Nutrition & Lifestyle section of Viral Sensei.
Experts Warn: Water Is Still the Best Choice
Following the study, researchers urged soda drinkers — both regular and diet — to limit their intake or eliminate these drinks entirely.
“Water remains the best choice,” Liu said. “It reduces metabolic strain and helps prevent fat accumulation in the liver while keeping the body hydrated.”
Experts also recommend unsweetened green tea, mineral water, or herbal infusions as better substitutes for those who prefer flavor over plain water.
To learn more about healthy hydration habits, visit the Wellness category on Viral Sensei.
What Happens Next
The study’s authors plan to expand their research through long-term genetic and randomized trials, focusing on how sugar and artificial sweeteners interact with the gut microbiome and influence liver health.
If future research confirms these findings, it could reshape how the food and beverage industry markets “diet” drinks — and how consumers perceive their safety.
As The Guardian has previously reported, similar studies have already linked artificial sweeteners to cardiovascular risks — suggesting that the dangers may go well beyond the liver.
The Bottom Line
This new research adds to growing evidence that both regular and diet sodas can harm your health, particularly your liver.
Even one can a day could have long-term effects on your metabolism and fat storage.
If you crave fizz, opt for sparkling water with lemon or fruit slices — your body (and your liver) will thank you.
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Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
