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Is hypnosis beneficial for weight loss?

Hypnosis can be used by practitioners to change negative thoughts or behavior. There is some evidence that this technique may work well to lose weight. But, it will take more research to establish if this is a viable long-term strategy.
Hypnosis involves a trained therapist relaxing a person using therapeutic words and phrases. Hypnosis can also include guided relaxation, music, visualization, and self-talk. A person may experience a altered state in consciousness when they are in this state. Their mind might be more open to change because of the increased focus.

The theory behind these techniques is that they allow a person access to resources that they are unable to reach when fully aware. Research suggests that hypnosis can be helpful in weight loss. Some people may find that hypnosis can help them make healthy dietary changes, eat less, and exercise more frequently.

This article will explain what hypnosis can do for weight loss. It also provides tips on maintaining a moderate weight.

Hypnosis can be described as a technique in which specially trained practitioners guide individuals to a more relaxed, focused state of mind. According to the Society of Psychological Hypnosis, it is a state of consciousness with focused attention and a greater capacity to respond positively to suggestions.

According to ASCH (American Society of Clinical Hypnosis), the person is not under the control of a hypnotist, but rather gains access to their inherent abilities. Relaxed mindsets can help people be more open to suggestions by healthcare professionals for lifestyle or dietary modifications. Hypnosis is a method that allows individuals to lose weight.

A 2021 review found that hypnosis might be a safe and effective adjuvant therapy for weight loss. Hypnosis may be effective for weight loss in the short-term, according to a 2018 meta-analysis. However, there is not much research about its long-term results.

2020 Study shows that hypnosis could lead to weight loss and significant changes in the levels of leptin in obese people. Leptin, a hormone that controls food intake, is also known as Leptin.

In a 2018 randomized control trial, self-hypnosis regulars lost more weight and reduced their calorie intake than those who did no use the technique. Over a one-year period, the average loss of those in the hypnosis program was 9.6 kilograms (kg), compared to the 5.6 kg in the control group. Individuals who had not yet practiced hypnosis regularly but learned to use it, lost an average 6.5 kilogram.

Hypnosis is a promising treatment option for obesity. However, there are no evidence to suggest that it can provide weight loss benefits in the short term.

Practitioners might be able to use Hypnosis to help patients bring about physiological and psychological change in three main ways.

Mental imagery is used to help people visualize themselves reaching their goals.
You should present ideas and suggestions that are compatible to what the person wants.
To identify if past events or experiences are hindering your ability to make positive changes, use unconscious exploration

The technique of self-hypnosis is also available to individuals. Self-hypnosis is similar in many ways to meditation and mindfulness techniques.

Hypnosis costs vary depending on the state where the person lives, what insurance they have, and how much they are paid. The majority of insurance companies will cover 50-80% of the individual therapy cost, but only if the patient is being treated by licensed professionals.

The ASCH has an online search engine that can help you find a hypnotist.

A hypnotist will help clarify treatment goals and explain the process.

A meta-analysis of 2018 found that people with obesity could receive hypnosis alone or along with other forms psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

The typical hypnotic introduction is the process of guiding a person into a state of hypnosis. Most inductions require that the patient focus their attention on something or their own breathing. Inductions may include soothing sounds and beautiful words or phrases that help the person relax.

Hypnosis principles indicate that people are more open for new ideas once they have entered a relaxed mindset. The doctor will offer suggestions and affirmations that can help the patient lose weight.

Hypnosis, which is voluntary and generally safe, can bring about positive changes. It involves both a person (or a therapist) working together.

Hypnosis works best when people are willing to make changes and believe that they can achieve their goals with hypnosis. Hypnosis cannot be forced on someone or made to do something against their wishes by a clinician. The risk with hypnosis, however, is that it might not work for everyone.

People with mental health issues, such as psychosis, personality disorders, or psychosis, may want to avoid hypnosis as it can make their condition worse.

ASCH recommends that hypnosis practitioners be properly licensed, trained, and have the appropriate credentials to achieve the best results.

One option is to consult a physician to help you start your weight loss journey. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says that long-term weight changes can be achieved by focusing on dietary and physical activity changes.

You may be able to lose weight by combining dietary and exercise changes with behavioral changes.
Dietary changes

Some weight loss strategies include eating healthier foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise:

A wide range of vegetables and fruits is possible to enjoy.
Selecting low-fat or lean sources of dairy products and proteins
Instead of using processed oils, use naturally occurring oils like olive oil
Avoid highly processed foods like cookies, chips, cakes, and fast food.
Include legumes and other nuts in your meals
Measurement of portion sizes
Use weight loss apps or calories to count
A glass of water can be better than snacking.
Reduce liquid calories like those from soda and alcohol
You might consider a weight-loss program

Exercise tips

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDK), adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. At least 300 minutes of aerobic exercise per week is required to lose or maintain weight. Some examples of physical activities are:

Walking
Wandering
Jogging
dancing
bicycling
Pilates
Yoga
Swimming
Weightlifting
Exercise classes for groups

To help someone reach their weekly exercise goals, they can schedule time to do physical activity with a friend.

Behavior change

A person can also consult a counselor, dietitian, or join a support group in order to adopt weight loss strategies. Some behavioral changes include the following:

Take at least 15 mins to eat a meal so that your brain can send you signals of fullness.
You can keep track of your food intake using a food diary, or an app.
Meditation, mindfulness, and self-hypnosis are all good practices.
Celebrate weight loss with non-food rewards
Setting up routines that limit snacking and overeating

Hypnosis, a technique used by highly trained professionals to help people enter a highly focused mental state, is called hypnosis. Hypnosis can help people open up to suggestions for therapeutic changes. Hypnosis may be a tool that can help people lose weight.

Research shows that hypnotherapy for weight loss can help people shed the pounds and improve their dietary habits.

Hypnosis isn’t proven to be effective in maintaining long-term weight reduction. Hypnosis should be used in conjunction with other weight-loss strategies like regular exercise and nutritious eating.