BMJ Nutr Prev Health
Retracted: Apple cider vinegar may be beneficial in weight management, study suggests
As of September 23, 2025, this study was retracted due to concerns about data reliability, statistical analysis, and lack of prospective trial registration.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained interest as a potential alternative remedy to support weight loss and small-scale studies have demonstrated promising results. In this study, researchers looked specifically at ACV’s effects in individuals with overweight or obesity in the Lebanese population. Their findings show that the consumption of ACV in people with overweight and obesity led to an improvement in the anthropometric and metabolic parameters without any side effects.
- This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 120 individuals with overweight or obesity.
- Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving 5, 10, or 15 mL of ACV or a control group receiving a placebo over a 12-week period.
- Anthropometric parameters, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels were measured at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12.
- Findings showed that daily consumption of the three doses of ACV for a duration of between four- and 12-weeks is associated with significant reductions in weight, body mass index, body fat ratio, blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. No adverse reactions were observed.
Source:
Abou-Khalil R, et al. (2024). BMJ Nutr Prev Health. Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. https://nutrition.bmj.com/content/early/2024/01/18/bmjnph-2023-000823