Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries for various medical purposes, and recently, it has been claimed to aid in weight loss. However, research showing that apple cider vinegar can help suppress appetite is lacking, which means that it is unclear whether consuming it can lead to weight loss. Some studies suggest that acetic acid, which is found in apple cider vinegar, can prevent fat deposition and improve metabolism in obese rats and mice. A 2009 trial of 175 people who consumed a drink containing 0, 1, or 2 tablespoons of vinegar each day showed modest weight loss (2 to 4 pounds) and lower triglyceride levels than those who drank no vinegar. Another 2018 study randomly assigned 39 study subjects to follow a restricted calorie diet with apple cider vinegar, or a restricted calorie diet without apple cider vinegar, for 12 weeks. While both groups lost weight, the apple cider vinegar group lost more. However, the participants were all either overweight or living with obesity based on their body mass index (BMI) and knew they were drinking the vinegar. This means there was no comparison between a control and a placebo group. The study also didn’t account for other factors that impact weight loss such as nutrition or exercise.
In conclusion, while some studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may help with weight loss, the evidence is not conclusive, and more research is needed. It is important to note that apple cider vinegar alone is unlikely to have a significant impact on body weight, and a healthy diet and exercise are still the most effective ways to lose weight.
