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.

Stars uses hypnosis to lose weight, stop smoking, and help recall lost memories

Bjorn Ulvaeus was one of the four members of Abba. But website http://www.news.com.au
reports that Bjorn says he can't remember chunks of his life, and has even turned to hypnosis
to find a cure. http://tinyurl.com/5o9td2

ApparentlyUlvaeus has revealed he is suffering from memory loss and cannot even remember winning the Eurovision song contest in 1974 with one of their best-known songs, Waterloo.

He isn't the only star to be using hypnosis. Earlier this year the Daily Mail reported on how singer Lily Allen had slimmed from a size 12 to an 8 by using hypnosis. http://tinyurl.com/5muov2

Allen reportedly said: "After the hypnotism, I want to go to the gym every day, otherwise I feel really bad. I just want to get more toned and healthy. I'm really good about everything at the moment - I've never been happier."

Others who have used hypnosis to lose weight include model Sophie Dahl, singer Geri Halliwell and the Duchess of York.

Perhaps the main use of hypnosis is for stopping smoking. Hollywood celebrities Ben Affleck, Samuel Jackson, Ellen Degeneres, Matt Damon and Drew Barrymore and others have all used hypnosis to stop smoking.