A SHOT of apple cider vinegar daily could help you lose weight in weeks, a study shows.
People who endured a sour start to the day shed up to 8kg (18lb) in just three months, Lebanese researchers found.
They also had better blood sugar and cholesterol measures after starting the routine.
Researchers said new guidelines could suggest obese people start taking a daily dose of the vinegar — although perhaps not on chips.
Dr Rony Abou-Khalil, of Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, said: “Apple cider might have potential benefits in improving metabolic parameters related to obesity.
“The results might contribute to evidence-based recommendations for the use of apple cider vinegar as a dietary intervention in the management of obesity.”
Around a quarter of English adults are obese, with a further 38 per cent overweight but not obese.
More than one billion people around the world are now obese, according to the World Health Organization.
Research has shown overweight people cost the NHS an extra £13.7billion a year.
Obesity is linked with a range of deadly conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and various forms of cancer.
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Previous studies have shown drinking a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar can help people lose up to 4lb of weight in three months.
The latest research, published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, found the kitchen staple may have a larger effect.
Researchers gave doses of 5, 10 or 15ml of apple cider vinegar or a placebo mixed with 250ml of water to 120 young people.
This included 46 men and 74 women with an average age of 17 who were overweight or obese with a BMI between 27 and 34.
They recorded what they ate in a diet diary, and provided information on their physical activity.
Those drinking the vinegar lost between 6kg and 9kg on average and reduced their BMI by 2.7 to three points, depending on the dose.
People drinking the highest dose saw the largest weight loss and BMI drop, falling from an average of 77 kg to just over 70 kg.
Apple cider vinegar may offer benefits for weight loss and for lowering blood sugar
Dr Daisy Coyle
At 10ml, the average weight went from 79 kg to 72 kg, and at 5ml they dropped from 79 to 74kg.
Those on the placebo were left with a sour taste in their mouth, seeing their weight stay around 79kg on average
Independent experts said the amount of weight lost by people on apple cider vinegar was “remarkable” but warned it is not a “silver bullet for health”.
Dr Daisy Coyle, of the George Institute for Global Health, said: “Apple cider vinegar may offer benefits for weight loss and for lowering blood sugar.
“While apple cider vinegar may offer some short-term health benefits, particularly for young and overweight individuals, it should not be viewed as a solution to the obesity epidemic.”
How to lose weight safely
Losing weight should be a long-term commitment to healthier living, rather than any drastic measures.
The NHS tips – which can be adopted slowly – include:
- Get active for 150 minutes a week – you can break this up into shorter sessions
- Aim to get your 5 A Day – 80g of fresh, canned or frozen fruit or vegetables count as 1 portion
- Aim to lose 1 to 2lbs, or 0.5 to 1kg, a week
- Read food labels – products with more green colour coding than amber and red are often a healthier option
- Swap sugary drinks for water – if you do not like the taste, add slices of lemon or lime for flavour
- Cut down on food that’s high in sugar and fat – start by swapping sugary cereal for wholegrain alternatives
- Share your weight loss plan with someone you trust – they can help motivate you when you have a bad day
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Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
