Debunked: Apple cider vinegar's weight loss claims face scientific backlash

A Lebanese study once suggested apple cider vinegar could help with weight loss, reporting reductions of six to eight kilograms. However, the research was later retracted in September 2025 due to serious flaws. Experts still question whether the vinegar truly aids weight management.

The study involved 120 overweight young adults divided into four groups. Three groups drank 5, 10, or 15 millilitres of apple cider vinegar daily, while the fourth received a placebo. After twelve weeks, those consuming the vinegar reportedly lost significant weight, with the highest dose showing the greatest effect.

The findings initially suggested that apple cider vinegar could support weight loss in obese individuals. But the research was later withdrawn because of incorrect statistical methods and a lack of proper study registration.

A broader 2025 meta-analysis reviewed 12 randomised trials with 1,024 participants. It found minor short-term effects on weight and blood sugar, though the evidence remained limited. Meanwhile, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) ruled in 2009 that claims about vinegar improving digestion, fat burning, or skin health lacked sufficient proof.

Nutrition experts generally do not consider apple cider vinegar an effective weight-loss solution. They advise using it only as a diluted supplement within a balanced diet. Undiluted consumption can irritate the stomach and damage teeth.

The retracted Lebanese study had initially raised hopes about apple cider vinegar's role in weight loss. However, broader research and regulatory reviews show little strong evidence supporting its effectiveness. For now, experts recommend caution and moderation when consuming it.