 Boston University. As a result, our bodies today interpret beverages as having fewer calories than they actually do and find them less satisfying than solid food and so we eat more to compensate.
Many scientists think non-diet beverage consumption — those with sugar — contributes to excess weight gain. And while often villainized, sodas are not the only culprits. Juices, smoothies and various "health drinks" can also confuse our internal calorie-counters and make weight difficult to control.
What about diet drinks? People who regularly slurp artificial sweeteners are more likely to gain weight, according to a study published in the journal Obesity in 2008. The most touted explanation for this finding is that fake sweeteners increase cravings for calorie-dense foods, but the science behind this theory is mixed. Still, if you want to play it safe while tightening your belt, stick to water.