The decision is rare enough to be underlined. The group British Medical Journal has just removed a study published in March 2024. This claimed that apple cider vinegar could cause spectacular weight loss in overweight young people. The withdrawal was announced by the publisher on September 23, 2025. Indeed, an investigation brought to light methodological problems and inconsistencies in the data.
A study that announces a loss of 8 kg in three months
This work, signed by researchers from the University of the Holy Spirit of Kaslik (Lebanon), carried on 120 overweight or obese volunteers. They were adolescents and young adults whose average age was 17 years. They had been divided into four groups. Everyone received 5, 10 or 15 ml of diluted vinegar or a placebo for 12 weeks.
In conclusion, the authors brought back average weight loss ranging from 6 to 8 kg depending on the dosage, BMI drops from 2.7 to 3 points, as well as improvements in metabolic markers.
Why did the BMJ remove this scientific study?
The withdrawal of this work is based on the observation of an internal examination and then an external statistical expertise. According to the publisher, statisticians could not reproduce the results. They also identified “multiple analysis errors”, as well as “irregularities in all data”.
In the press release published on the subject, Dr. Helen Macdonald, responsible for publication ethics and content integrity at BMJ Group, explains: “Although it is tempting to alert readers to a help for weight loss seemingly simple and useful, at present the results of the study are not reliable “.
Indeed, some experts noted that food notebooks and the physical activity of volunteers were self -deprecated. But also that the possible taking of weight loss drugs had not been documented, which could distort the results.
“Marketing” studies from which “we cannot conclude anything”
Consulted, Professor Boris Hansel, endocrinologist and nutrition specialist, author of Eat the light spirit Published by Michel Lafon editions, recalls the limits of certain studies.
“Studies having shown an effect of apple cider vinegar on weight loss involved consuming it at the right quantities, one to two tablespoons diluted in a glass of water before each meal”.
And even so, “The level of proof of these studies is zero and limited because if there is a small effect, it can be explained by two bias: a ritual effect in which one believes, which influences behavior, and a disgust of eating caused by vinegar“.
For our expert, “This type of study is rather marketing, you cannot get evidence from it. And in general, we must always be wary of the last study, because it will not upset everything on a given subject “.
What impact does depublishing have on the subject?
Does depublication mean that vinegar does not lose weight? No, according to Pr Hansel.
“Depubliating does not necessarily mean that all the knowledge on a subject is called into question. On the other hand, the error comes from the weight given to a study, often through the communication which surrounds it, and which leads to erroneous conclusions. The practical consequences are never drawn on the basis of a single study, except for very large impeccable studies on the scientific level”.
Is apple cider vinegar still recommended, for weight loss?
If you try, take into account two undesirable effects linked to its consumption: a digestive effect with stomach burns, reflux, acidic lift due to the acidity of vinegar and an erosion effect on dental enamel.
“”So just ask yourself the question “ estimates Professor Hansel “Would you be able to drink it every day? “.
In any case, vinegar is not a miracle treatment. And if you observe some results, you will absolutely have to continue because according to the specialist, if you stop, “The resumption of pounds is assured! “.