However, it may have nothing to do with the excess calories and weight, which is often associated with sugary sodas.
The study's authors say they were also surprised that the link between soda and knee pain from osteoarthritis couldn't be explained by extra weight. In fact, it was non-obese soda drinkers who had the worst pain.
No direct cause and effect was shown.
One theory is that other chemicals in soda may affect bone health in joints.
