How do correctly use "because of" and "due to"?

Question

I'm stumped as to which one to use where. Can someone explain?

Answer 1

"Because of" is a way of explaining something, a reason

"due to" serves as a consequence.

They both pretty much have the same use.

Because of my leg injury, I cannot run.

Due to the fact that I dieted last month, I was able to lose 5 pounds

Answer 2

Merriam Webster regards them as synonymous, so they can be used interchangeably.