Obesity and overweight are growing global public health concerns, especially among young people. Evidence suggests that apple cider vinegar supports weight loss and improves metabolic health. A recent study found that young people who took apple cider vinegar for 12 weeks lost more weight and exhibited better metabolic parameters than those who took a placebo.

The study involved 120 teens and young adults with overweight or obesity. Participants received 5, 10, or 15 milliliters (5 milliliters = 1 teaspoon) of apple cider vinegar or a placebo diluted in water daily for 12 weeks. They didn’t make any changes to their diets or activity levels. Researchers measured the participants' anthropometrics (weight, body mass index, waist/hip circumferences, and body fat ratio) and blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels at the beginning of the study and again at four-week intervals.

They found that participants who took apple cider vinegar lost weight in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with those taking higher doses manifesting the greatest weight loss, which increased as the study progressed. All anthropometric measures improved, too, as did blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. None of the participants taking the vinegar experienced any adverse or ill effects.

These findings suggest that apple cider vinegar promotes weight loss and improves metabolic parameters in young people with overweight or obesity. The investigators noted that these effects occurred without changes to the participants' diets or activity levels, suggesting the effects arose from the vinegar itself. Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple juice. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and polyphenols such as flavonoids, which may confer some of apple cider vinegar’s benefits. Learn about the health benefits of other polyphenols in our overview article.