Debunked: Apple Cider Vinegar's Weight Loss Myths Exposed in Retracted Study

A Lebanese study once suggested that apple cider vinegar could help overweight young adults lose significant weight. Participants who drank small daily amounts of apple cider vinegar reportedly shed six to eight kilograms over twelve weeks. However, the findings were later discredited due to major research errors.

The original research involved 120 overweight young adults divided into four groups. Three groups consumed 5, 10, or 15 millilitres of apple cider vinegar daily, while the fourth received a placebo. After twelve weeks, those taking the apple cider vinegar showed notable weight loss, with the highest dose producing the greatest effect.

The study claimed that even small amounts could support weight reduction in people struggling with obesity. But experts warned against drinking it undiluted, as it can harm tooth enamel and irritate the stomach lining. Taking it on an empty stomach was also discouraged to avoid discomfort.

In 2009, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) had already dismissed claims about apple cider vinegar improving digestion, burning fat, or benefiting skin health. They found insufficient evidence to back these assertions. A 2025 meta-analysis of 12 trials with 1,065 participants showed only minor short-term effects on weight and blood sugar, with limited real-world impact.

By September 2025, the Lebanese study was officially retracted. Investigators uncovered serious flaws, including incorrect statistical methods and a lack of proper study registration. Nutrition experts continued to stress that apple cider vinegar should not be seen as a weight-loss solution but, at most, a minor addition to a balanced diet.

The retracted study initially suggested that apple cider vinegar could aid weight loss, but its flaws rendered the results unreliable. While some small trials hint at minor effects, health authorities and experts still caution against relying on it for significant benefits. Proper dilution and careful use remain essential for those who choose to consume apple cider vinegar.