Drinking diet soda in and of itself may not contribute to metabolic disorder, however, consuming extra calories because of those saved with the soda will add up.

So, is it the case that those who drink diet soda also allow other unhealthy habits into their daily diet?

This could, indeed, be the reason for the diet soda-metabolic disorder connection.

The American Heart Association doesn’t have specific guidelines on diet soda consumption, but spokesperson Rachel Johnson of the University of Vermont says moderate consumption seems fine. “But what the mistake a lot of people make is that they compensate for the calories that they save in the diet soda with other foods and beverages,” says Johnson.

Part of a healthy diet would include eliminating items with artificial sweeteners, preservatives and chemicals.