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I know this is going to be bad news to some, but the short answer is yes.  There have been study after study proving that diet soda does, in fact, cause weight gain.  Here is one such study conducted at University of Texas Health Science Center:

Results:  Researchers found that those consuming diet sodas gained more weight over the study than their counterparts consuming regular soft drinks.

Diet Soft-drinks:  54% of those drinking one to two cans of diet soda became over weight

VS.

Regular Soft-drinks:  33% of those drinking one to two cans of  regular soda became over weight

Although there is little doubt that this is true, the reasons behind it are not so clear.  Theories range from pyschological factors to the physiology of how soda is processed in the digestive system.

Unfortunately the bad  news doesn't stop there.  The sugar substitutes used in diet sodas are considered to be both a toxin and a carcinogen.  Studies showed sugar substitutes to be linked to eye problems, depression, bloating, sickness and even cancer. 

Of course anything in moderation is normally acceptable with little or no side effects but using diet soda as a tool for weight loss is not the greatest idea.

So if you are thinking to yourself, stick to regular soft-drinks.....Ugh!   What should be obvious is that all soda is bad for you.  So, don't drink any of it!  However, if you absolutely must, stick to the non-diet soda. 

Dr. Schenendorf is a chiropractor and fitness/nutrition expert in Atlanta, Georgia.  He owns Buckhead Pain Specialist which is a clinic providing medical, chiropractic, physical therapy and massage therapy services.  If you have questions on this topic or any topic concerning fitness, nutrition, health, or pain management please feel free to contact Dr. Schenendorf at DrEric@IGotYourBackAtl.com