Fair and Biased Disclaimer: Energy drinks that I like do not have any side effects. And since I really like the Spike Shooter energy drink, what follows does not apply to it.

Joking aside, you have probably heard a story similar to this one: “I’ve been downing energy drinks a few times a day. At first, I had more pep and even lost 10 pounds. But now I’m gaining weight again and can barely get out of bed. What’s going on here?�

According to some experts, energy drinks could be to blame for your fatigue and weight gain. These beverages may cause sluggishness, in part because their sweeteners suppress orexin, a brain chemical that maintains wakefulness.

Plus, the high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners in these drinks may hinder the body’s ability to count calories, triggering unconscious overeating. [source: Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D.]