The body absorbs the carbon in a way that “may support weight loss,” according to a new study, but carbonated drinks are not a “standalone solution”

A new study finds that drinking carbonated or sparkling water may contribute to weight loss via two mechanisms, though it may need other factors to make a significant impact.

Don't expect to shed pounds solely due to your choice of beverage. The benefits of drinking carbonated water for weight loss are “so small that it is difficult to expect weight loss effects solely from the CO2 in carbonated water,” the study notes.