Quit drinking all soda three years ago (fell off the bandwagon when Dad went to the hospital)
Gained massive amount of weight drinking water and eating (mostly) healthy.
Turns out I have a mass on my adrenal gland causing hypercortisolism. Diet soda and eating healthy didn't save me from that (or cause it)
Have now decided that my Diet Pepsi consumption or consuming anything "unhealthy" in some reasonable moderation because I enjoy it is better than denying myself and dying without enjoying the simple pleasures in life.
Quality over quantity and all that jazz. They can take their study and shove it.