Apple Cider Vinegar: Encourages Weight Loss?

Apple cider vinegar has developed a reputation as a weight loss agent. But, is this reputation backed up by solid scientific empirical evidence? CNN Health recently published an article that debates this issue.

 

Nutritionist Lisa Drayer commented “A lot of this is marketing, and it’s been around a long time. I remember, probably 15 years ago, covering the apple cider vinegar diet. When you look closely, the diet paired apple cider vinegar pills with a low-calorie menu.”

The Science

Most of the research that backs-up the use of apple cider vinegar for weight loss has been with mice and rats. The studies show that the main component of apple cider vinegar, acetic acid, can suppress the accumulation of body fat and metabolic disorders in obese rats.

Human Studies

A 2005 study of 12 people found that to be true (weight loss) when vinegar was consumed with a bread meal.

The study concludes that the promotion of vinegar as a natural appetite suppressant does not seem appropriate.

The most-cited study to prove a connection to weight loss was done in 2009 with 175 “obese” Japanese subjects, ages 25 to 69, who were split into three groups.

However, the definition of obese in the United States is different than the Japanese version. The BMI (body mass index) of the subjects in the study was between 25 and 30. In the United States obese is considered 30+ BMI.

The results of this study concluded that the weight loss was 2 to 4 pounds in three months over a placebo. Dr. Drayer commented “That’s only a third of a pound a week. Most diets have a much bigger result. So you would definitely have to do many other things to accomplish any significant weight loss.”

What acetic acid does is basically blocking the absorption of starch in the body. This means that it only helps if you are consuming starch.

Here at Absorb Health we have a variety of products to help you out with your weight loss needs!