Does hypnosis for weight loss work?

Authored by

Dr Adam Williams

22 August 2022

Does hypnosis for weight loss work? - welzo

What is a hypnosis procedure?

Some therapists employ hypnosis as a therapy to assist patients in achieving complete deep relaxation. Practitioners think that the conscious and unconscious mind can concentrate on verbal repetition and mental imagery throughout a session.

As a result, the mind becomes receptive to ideas and open to modifications in attitudes, feelings, and routines.

Research suggests that since the 1700s, individuals have utilised variations of this complementary therapy to treat everything from smoking to bedwetting. As we'll explore in this article, more research has also shown potential for treating obesity.

hypnosis can aid in weight loss

Hypnotherapy for losing weight;

For those trying to lose weight, clinical hypnosis might be more helpful than diet and exercise alone. The concept is that behaviours like overeating can be changed by manipulating the mind. But it's still unclear exactly how effective it might be.

In one prior controlled experiment, the use of hypnotherapy for more weight loss strategies in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea was investigated by Trusted Source.

The study compared two distinct types of hypnotherapy to straightforward dietary recommendations for treating obesity and sleep apnoea. In three months, each of the 60 participants lost 2 to 3 per cent of their body weight.

The hypnotherapy group had shed an additional 8 pounds on average at the 18-month check-up. Although this additional loss wasn't considerable, the researchers concluded that hypnotherapy should be further studied as an obesity treatment.

When hypnotherapy, specifically cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), was used to analyse the weight loss journey, it was shown that the difference between the treatment group and the placebo group was slightly smaller.

Researchers said that hypnotherapy might help achieve weight loss, but there isn't enough evidence to say it is always effective.

It's significant to remember that there isn't much evidence to support significant weight loss using hypnosis alone. You'll learn a lot about using hypnosis with counselling, food, and exercise.

Bear in mind that effective weight reduction often involves a holistic method, combining calorie control, active and wholesome activities, and occasionally, if deemed appropriate, the use of medical products like Wegovy.

Types of Hypnosis;

There are two main types of hypnosis.

1. Traditional hypnosis;

Traditional hypnosis, which depends on straightforward suggestions and directions, is the simplest type.

Once the patient is in the hypnotic state, direct commands and suggestions are used to change their feelings, thoughts, behaviours, and actions.

Traditional hypnosis only works on persons willing to comply with instructions; the hypnotist will need to determine the patient's level of receptivity before the hypnotic session starts.

2. Modern hypnosis;

The modern method of hypnosis, known as Eriksonian hypnosis, was created by prominent American psychiatrist and psychologist Dr Milton Erikson.

This approach is based on comprehending the particular demands and circumstances of the customer. The contemporary hypnosis method will help customers improve their cognitive abilities and alter how they see situations in and around difficult scenarios.

Cost of hypnosis for weight loss;

The price of hypnotherapy varies depending on your location and the therapist you select. Ask about price or sliding scale possibilities by giving a call in advance.

Up to 80% of treatment services rendered by qualified specialists may be covered by your insurance company. To find out more about your specific coverage, call again in advance.

Advantages of hypnosis for promoting weight loss;

1. Safe procedure weight loss hypnosis;

Weight loss with hypnosis is non-invasive. Moreover, while in a trance, the subject is always conscious of their surroundings and is not at risk of acting against their will.

2. No side effects;

Hypnotherapy is an all-natural method of weight loss. It does not rely on invasive surgery or drug therapy. As a result, there are no negative side effects like those that may arise from using prescription or over-the-counter diet drugs.

3. Less expensive;

Hypnosis is comparatively less expensive than other therapies like subscription healthy diet plans and weight loss surgery.

4. Short treatment;

The length of therapy is quite short because hypnotherapy is a solution-based therapy. Most weight reduction programs last no longer than 4-6 sessions, and many people see results after just one or two treatments.

Disadvantages of hypnosis;

1. Ineffective result;

Hypnotherapy is person-centred therapy, thus, not everyone will have the same outcomes. Although having sessions specifically catered to each client can be very beneficial for many, this also implies that therapy outcomes can fluctuate.

As a result, if a person is unsatisfied with the results, they might need to see more than one hypnotherapist.

2. Standards;

The field of hypnotherapy is not governed by a single set of rules. As a result, hypnotists may offer a range of services and therapies.

However, the majority of practitioners do follow some sort of moral and professional guidelines. Verify if your hypnotherapist is a member of a respectable professional association, such as the National Guild of Hypnotists.

3. Some insurance does not cover the treatment;

The fact that many insurance companies do not cover hypnosis therapy can lead to out-of-pocket expenses. Before committing to hypnotherapy as a method of treating nicotine addiction, check with your insurance provider.

Other benefits of hypnosis;

The primary advantage of hypnosis is that it enables individuals to achieve a calm mental state where they may be more receptive to suggestions to assist in changing specific habits like eating disorders. This may result in quicker and more noticeable effects for some, but not everyone will experience these benefits.

According to studies, some persons may be more receptive to hypnosis' effects and thus more likely to gain from it. For instance, certain psychological qualities, including selflessness and openness, may increase a person's susceptibility to hypnosis.

Most people are seen to be safe using self-hypnosis if they do so while being guided by a qualified therapist. It is not a method of mind control or brainwashing. A person cannot be forced into performing something embarrassing or against their will by a therapist.

If you would like to learn more about strategies and tools for losing weight, see our information page here.