Hypnosis, Weight Loss and the Scientific Community

By Tom Nicoli, BCH, CI

With the years of research, case studies and documentation regarding hypnosis, which goes back centuries to Mesmer and beyond, one would assume there would be sufficient work done in the area of hypnosis for weight loss, especially when you consider weight loss is an area people seek hypnosis services for more than almost anything else. More work is needed in this area, but there are some very interesting studies available.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings - Studies of hypnosis as a single treatment for obesity show variable success. A critical review of hypnosis for obesity in studies from 1958 through 1978 concluded that hypnosis may be of benefit but that standardization of methods was needed. In a subsequent trial with 156 participants, results from participants who received 9 weekly individual hypnosis sessions plus behavior-modification treatments were compared with results from those who received behavior-modification treatment alone. On average, the hypnosis group had lost 7 kg of weight more than the control group at the 2-year follow-up.

This fact is important to keep in mind for it is common that though people may be successful in losing weight, it's maintaining their health by keeping the weight off that becomes the challenge. By incorporating hypnosis into your lifestyle it becomes an easier task to simply not want to go back to the old, unhealthy eating patterns.

Mayo Clinic dietitian Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. - Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, usually achieved with the help of a hypnotherapist. With hypnosis, your attention is highly focused and you're more responsive to suggestions, including behavior changes that can help you lose weight. Over the years, numerous studies have evaluated hypnosis for weight loss. Most found positive, but modest, results.

It is obvious there is no direct physical correlation to hypnosis and reducing fat / losing weight. There are 2 separate yet indirectly connected processes involved. Hypnosis is a way of working with the mindset, thoughts and emotions about eating patterns, food and activity. Once the internal barriers are removed to engage in healthy behaviors, then a person can do what we all know is needed in order for the physical process of weight loss to happen. Hypnosis is a proven adjunct to successful weight loss and maintenance of healthy behaviors for quality living.

So the next time you decide to get healthy, lose some of that nagging weight and are ready to remove the struggle of will power and the losing battle in your mind, use the proven method to assist you to achieve your personal goal to be your best... Hypnosis.

Self-hypnosis instead of an anaesthetic!!

Bernadine Coady has been having routine knee surgery at a hospital in Peterborough, UK. However instead of having any anaethetic, she instead used self-hypnosis to control the pain.

She told surgeon that she could feel only tugging and pulling.

This is not new. Many people over the years have had operations using hypnosis or self-hypnosis instead of anaesthesia.
See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7494262.stm and http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7494283.stm

---------------------------

Dr Escudero invented Noesitherapy, which has similar properties to self hypnosis.

He was featured in a BBC documentary programme a number of years back. In the programme we saw one of his patients undergo surgery on her leg. Dr Escudero taught the patient that she maintains plenty of saliva in her mouth - which apparently not only focusses her attention but puts her more at ease. Throughout the operation the patient showed no discomfort.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A25699666