Wellness Exchange: Health Discussions
Lose 18lbs in Three Months with Apple Cider
[music] Welcome to Quick News. This is Ted. The news was published on Friday, November 8th. Joining me today are Eric and Kate for a lively discussion on an intriguing new study about apple cider vinegar and its potential weight loss benefits. Hey, Ted. Thanks for having us. Yeah, this study is pretty fascinating. It tracked 120 young people, splitting them into groups that drank different doses of apple cider vinegar daily for 12 weeks. The results showed a meaningful weight loss and BMI reduction across the board. You know, Eric, I'm not as impressed. These participants were overweight teenagers. Their bodies were probably primed to respond more dramatically to any dietary change, so it's not really groundbreaking. Well, Kate, the numbers don't lie. For the highest dosage group, dropping from 77 kilos to 70 kilos in just three months is significant, plus an average BMI reduction from 31 to around 27 is... Yeah, they lost between six to eight kilos on average, which isn't exactly earth shattering. Also don't forget about the placebo effect. It could have played a part. Just to clarify, those on the placebo lost far less weight. The study shows a large difference attributable directly to apple cider vinegar... But we can't ignore that 12 weeks isn't enough to declare it completely safe or long-term effective. Potential side effects could emerge down the line. True, but no immediate side effects were reported in this study, and that's an important point. Longer-term studies are necessary. We need to see how it affects overall metabolism over an extended period, not just short-term weight loss. Eric, could you explain what you see as a significantly positive impact from this study? Sure, Ted. I think the reduced blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels are particularly important. These markers showed improvement within just 12 weeks. But Eric, the sample size was small. How can we trust these results to be applicable to the wider population? The authors admitted it, but they also highlighted that this sets a foundation for more extensive research. It feels like there's a lot of hype without enough solid backing. We need larger, long-term studies to truly validate these results. Let's move on. Our next segment is about historical context. Kate, can you think of a similar scenario from the past that might give us more insight? The grapefruit diet from the 1930s comes to mind. Back then, people thought eating half a grapefruit before meals would lead to major weight loss. Good point, Kate. The grapefruit diet promised quick results as well, but lacked scientific validation and ultimately faced skepticism. Exactly, Eric. Just like the apple cider vinegar study, initial enthusiasm was there, but it fell apart due to concerns about long-term sustainability and overall health impacts. However, today, the methodologies are more rigorous. The apple cider vinegar study recorded weight loss and improved metabolic markers, which lends it more rapidly. But remember, the grapefruit diet also had small-scale success stories that couldn't be replicated widely. So skepticism is justified here as well. I'd argue one key difference is that today's findings have the potential for scalability and more profound biochemical insights, paving the way for more robust- Miracle cures and dietary trends haven't panned out historically. We should remain skeptical and cautious. Eric, any thoughts on why this comparison is relevant? Both scenarios ignited public interest due to quick results, but ultimately, evidence-based scrutiny is what distinguishes genuine innovations from fleeting trends. But history teaches us not to buy into short-term hype, without comprehensive long-term studies to back it up. Interesting points. Now let's dive into future implications. Eric and Kate, what do you see as the potential future of apple cider vinegar in weight management? One possibility is integrating apple cider vinegar into public health strategies. It's a low-cost, easily accessible supplement that could reduce weight and improve metabolic health on a large scale. Eric, that seems overly optimistic. Another possibility is that after further trials, we might find that its effects are minimal, and it ends up being just a niche dietary habit. True for any supplement pending further research, but initial findings show reductions in weight, BMI, blood glucose, and cholesterol, which are promising. But widespread use without proper medical oversight could cause unforeseen health problems. Regular consumption might do more harm than good. Legal professionals can supervise its usage, ensuring any adverse effects are managed. This makes it a viable option. And if future studies don't support these findings, public trust and dietary recommendations could erode quickly. On the flip side, it opens up avenues for more in-depth research. We shouldn't dismiss its potential just because we're taking cautious steps. Agree that it's a wait and see situation. Jumping to public endorsements without rigorous testing could be reckless. Other trials will illuminate either its broader benefits or limitations. That's the essence of scientific progress.