AI-Summary – News For Tomorrow
A study claiming apple cider vinegar aids weight loss has been retracted by BMJ Group due to severe flaws in data and methodology. Concerns included unreliable raw data, statistical analysis errors, implausible results, and lack of trial registration. Statisticians couldn’t replicate the findings, uncovering multiple analytical errors. While authors attributed the errors to honest mistakes, they agreed with the retraction. BMJ Group emphasizes its commitment to correcting the scientific record and addressing concerns about published content.
News summary provided by Gemini AI.
Journalists and others should stop referencing or using the study’s findings in any future reporting.
BMJ Group has withdrawn a study that once suggested drinking small amounts of apple cider vinegar each day could support weight loss in people who are overweight or obese.
The decision to retract the paper came after serious concerns were raised about its quality. Issues included questionable methods of statistical analysis, implausible statistical outcomes, unreliable raw data, insufficient detail in the description of methods, and the absence of prior trial registration (a requirement under BMJ Group’s editorial policy).
Review Findings
It wasn’t possible for the statisticians to replicate the results and multiple analytical errors were identified. There were also irregularities in the data set, and their report, which is appended to the retraction notice, concluded that the data collected from each participant would require further independent scrutiny.
The authors said that the identified errors were honest mistakes, but they agree with the decision to retract the study.
She added: “This retraction reflects our strategic and proactive approach to investigating concerns raised about the content we publish. We act where necessary in the interests of openness and the importance of correcting the scientific record.
Reflection on Publication Decision
“These are relatively unusual in nutritional research as they can be challenging to undertake because of the numbers of participants and time needed to obtain meaningful results.”
Reference: “Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study” 23 September 2025, BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health.
DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000823ret
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