Hypnosis for Weight Loss: Does it Really Work?

Have you ever been hypnotized? Whether your experience with hypnosis was to help you quit a nasty habit or a night of entertainment while in Las Vegas, it is certainly an interesting approach to an altered state of mind. Some people have attempted to use hypnosis for weight loss . . . but does it really work for that purpose? Let’s take a look at hypnosis as a possible effective method for losing weight and keeping it off.

What is Hypnosis?
Before dealing with whether or not hypnosis works for weight loss, it is pertinent to view hypnosis as a subject or methodology as a whole. Hypnosis is described as a trance-like mental state induced by suggestive techniques and methodologies, usually of a verbal instruction method and starting with the suggestion of relaxation. Hypnosis can be induced by a hypnotist or sometimes even self-induced.

Why Use Hypnosis for Weight Loss?
You might ask the question as to why use hypnosis in weight loss. One answer might lie in having exhausted all other options.  Perhaps you have tried everything else and had limited or no satisfactory results. By utilizing hypnosis you are adding an extra weapon to your arsenal. There are also certain issues that you may not be able to deal with successfully on your own due to the complexity of the problem (relating to weight loss, or something else). Hypnosis can be utilized as a tool to assist in overcoming such issues.

Hypnosis is also widely regarded as a natural remedy, which is more appealing than other methodologies and therefore easier to attempt without risking any short or long term side effects or other health dangers. Bearing this in mind, it is highly recommended that you deal with qualified and knowledgeable hypnotists, as with anything else you have to be aware of potential fraudsters and con-men who are only out there to make a quick buck. There are certified hypnotists available and you should investigate and establish a relationship prior to undergoing any form of treatment.

Hypnosis and Weight Loss Studies
The effect of hypnosis as a therapy for weight loss has come under scrutiny and there have even been medical inquiries of substantiation into this form of therapy. A marked study in 1996 entitled “Hypnotic Enhancement of Cognitive-Behavioral Weight Loss Treatments--Another Meta-reanalysis” was conducted and the findings revealed that people using a combination of hypnosis and a reliable weight loss program show a definitive greater weight loss than using the program alone.

Essentially there is hypnosis with and without accompanying dietary programs. Studies were conducted in the mid 1980s based on self hypnosis without the use of a complementary or supplementary weight loss program; findings indicated that the subjects did indeed lose weight and maintained that weight loss. However the study was found to be questionable due to the small number of participants and the overall lack of scientific controls. Further studies were conducted in tandem with weight management programs. Overall the combination of the two methodologies indicated a positive all-around response for initial weight loss, as well as maintained weight loss.

Should You Try It?
According to the success of the studies briefly described above, it’s possible that hypnosis does in fact assist in the weight loss battle. It may be an option for you if you’ve tried everything else and are now lacking motivation to continue toward your weight loss goals. However, you should not expect to see dramatic results based on hypnosis alone. You should also educate yourself about this form of treatment in order to make an educated and informed decision.