I don’t know. Apple cider vinegar for weight loss is all the hype lately. It’s one of the top-selling dietary aids on Amazon, and it’s one of the most searched terms on Google for weight loss this year. While dietary supplements and aids promising a quick fix for weight loss are nothing new, apple cider vinegar has been used throughout history for various aliments, the latest being weight loss. To the best of my knowledge, there have only been two published human studies in the past decade or so, and both showed modestly more weight loss with apple cider vinegar compared to the control group; however, both studies showed weight loss in all groups tested (not just the apple cider vinegar groups) because both studies included low-calorie diets.

Having only two studies to back up a dietary aid seems to be too premature to provide a verdict as to whether it works or not, but on the flip side, unlike some other dietary supplements, apple cider vinegar does not appear to be a major risk for most people. About 1 to 2 Tbsp before a meal is what is usually advertised, but keep in mind that it is an acid, so its consumption can cause mouth/throat irritation and/or dental erosion. Also, it can interfere with some medications, lower potassium levels, and affect insulin levels. As always, it is important to check with your healthcare provider before starting a new diet or supplement if this is something that you are considering.

So, what’s my take? I agree with the other two reviews I came across lately from Harvard and University of Chicago on the topic. What did they say? The research is inconclusive as to whether apple cider vinegar for weight loss is a good idea. So, don’t quit your gym membership quite yet. Eating a healthful diet low in added sugars is a step in the right direction too.