A recent study has found that drinking no- or low-calorie beverages instead of sugary drinks can lead to small decreases in weight, BMI, and diabetes risk. These benefits are nearly identical to those observed when drinking water. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed 17 randomized trials with 1,733 adults who were overweight or obese and at risk for or already had diabetes. The trials lasted from three weeks to a year, with an average duration of 12 weeks. Participants who switched to no- or low-calorie drinks saw an average weight reduction of about 2 pounds, a BMI decrease of 0.2 points, and a body fat reduction of about half a percent. Additionally, these drinks were linked to a reduction in intrahepatocellular lipid (IHL), which is associated with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. While the study shows promising results, it did not differentiate between types of sweeteners used in the drinks, and the long-term impacts of consuming these beverages remain unknown. Further research is needed to understand the health effects over a longer period.