Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: What the Research Actually Says
Abhinav GuptaShare
Last updated: 11 October 2026
The research on apple cider vinegar and weight loss is limited and mixed. A 2025 review of randomised trials found some small, short-term reductions in body weight and BMI in adults with overweight, but concluded the evidence is inconclusive, and a widely shared 2024 study that reported large weight loss was retracted in 2025. It is not a fat-burner.
What the 2025 review found
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials looked at apple cider vinegar in people who were overweight or had type 2 diabetes. It reported modest short-term changes in some body measures, while noting that studies were small and varied, so the overall evidence remains inconclusive.
The retracted study
You may have seen headlines about a trial that reported large weight loss in young adults. That study was retracted in 2025, so it should not be used as proof. This is why you should treat bold promises on bottles and social media with caution.
Why it might seem to work
- Vinegar is sour, so some people feel fuller or eat slightly less.
- People who start a new habit often tidy up other habits too.
- Replacing a sugary drink with water and vinegar reduces calories.
These are possible explanations, not proof.
What actually helps with weight
- Eating mostly whole foods with enough protein and fibre
- Regular movement
- Good sleep
- A pattern you can keep for years
If you still want to use it
Use it as a food: 15 ml diluted in water, or in a salad dressing. Do not expect it to change your weight on its own, and do not take more than suggested.
Our position
At Mevva we sell apple cider vinegar as a raw, honest food ingredient. We do not promise weight loss. If weight is a health concern, a doctor or dietitian can help far more than any bottle.
Mevva Raw Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother is made from Kashmir apples, raw and unfiltered, with 5% acidity.
Frequently asked questions
Does apple cider vinegar help you lose weight?
Evidence is limited and mixed. Some small short-term changes were reported in reviews, but they are inconclusive.
How much weight can you lose with apple cider vinegar?
We cannot promise any. Treat any specific figure with caution.
Does it burn belly fat?
No reliable evidence shows that it burns belly fat.
Is it safe to take for weight loss?
In small, diluted amounts it is generally tolerated, but speak to your doctor first if you have a medical condition.
Related reading
Mevva Apple Cider Vinegar is a food product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Speak to your doctor or a dietitian for weight advice.