Q & A Library

Updated 1/27/2005

The apple cider vinegar diet has been around for decades - at least! Some proponents claim the ancient Egyptians used apple cider vinegar for weight loss. I'm sure it didn't work any better then than it does now, despite the rave reviews and anecdotal evidence cited by the folks who want to sell you the vinegar or tablets containing it.

There is absolutely no scientific evidence showing that apple cider vinegar can aid in weight loss or that it contains any magic ingredients that help you to shed pounds. Back in the 1970s when this diet took its place among the many weight loss fads and scams, proponents claimed that somehow a combination of apple cider, kelp, vitamin B-6, and lecithin fooled the body's metabolism into burning fat faster than it would normally.

These days the claims are far less elaborate - supposedly, all you need to do to lose weight is to take one, two, or three teaspoons of apple cider vinegar before every meal, starting with one teaspoon and then working up to two or three. I understand that taking more than three teaspoons isn't supposed to lead to better results. Probably more than three teaspoons is more than any dieter could reasonably stomach. The only dieting advice you get with this "diet" is to eat moderate portions at meals, avoid snacking, and wait for the apple cider vinegar to reduce your hunger and food cravings.

In addition to weight loss, apple cider vinegar has been promoted for relief of arthritic stiffness, and as a treatment for sore throats, acne and other skin problems, high blood pressure, headaches, dandruff, sunburn, and elevated cholesterol levels. Again, there is no good evidence to back up these claims either.

If you want to lose weight, forget about apple cider vinegar. Weight loss requires effort and commitment. The only formula you can depend on is eating less and exercising more.

Andrew Weil, M.D.