Oman today_ According to new research findings, drinking even a small amount of soda — whether regular or diet — each day can significantly increase the risk of developing fatty liver disease.
The study, presented at the United European Gastroenterology Week in October 2025, revealed that consuming as little as 25 millilitres of regular soda per day raises the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) by up to 50 percent. Interestingly, the same amount of diet soda showed an even greater effect, increasing the risk by as much as 60 percent.
MASLD, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a serious liver condition that can progress to cirrhosis, or severe scarring of the liver — a state similar to that caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Researchers warn that the common belief that diet sodas are a healthier alternative is misguided, as these beverages appear to have similarly harmful effects on liver health and may substantially increase the risk of developing the disease.