Zero calorie and diet drinks have become popular for their perceived health benefits, but there is controversy over whether real sugar or artificial sweeteners are worse for health. Both real and artificial sugar can be problematic in large quantities. Consuming fewer calories than you burn leads to weight loss, but consuming too many energy drinks, even sugar-free ones, can cause brain cell damage and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The question of whether regular or sugar-free energy drinks are better for weight loss is explored.