People over 65 years of age who drank two or more diet sodas a day had waistlines that were six times greater than those who didn't.
Stroke is a brain attack, which occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. It affects all age groups; according to the WHO, 15 million people are affected by stroke annually.
Osteoarthritis, an ailment affecting millions of people each year, is thought to get worse after consumption of soda and other sugary drinks.
Media reports indicate that diet sodas are witnessing a marked decline in sales and are being replaced by water.