To some, hypnosis might sound like an absurd notion, let alone weight loss from hypnosis! But I've found that there is solid evidence that you can achieve quick AND lasting weight loss from hypnosis. The results of my research appear at the end of this page.
What is hypnosis?
According to Contemporary Psychiatric Mental-Health Nursing, hypnosis (or hypnotherapy) is:"the therapeutic use of suggestion during an altered state of consciousness to effect positive changes in a person's behavior and to treat a range of health conditions. It has been used ... to decrease pain, for weight control...and in trance-like states to access the deepest levels of the mind." (Kneisl et al, 2004).
A recent publication states that ?Hypnosis is a way to access the untapped power of the mind and alter brain functions. In this state of intense relaxation and concentration, the mind is able to focus on positive suggestions which can be carried out at a future time. These subliminal messages are surprisingly powerful" (Warren, 2003).
At the 54th Annual Conference of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis in November, 2003, Dr. David Spiegel, a Stanford University researcher, said that, although we don?t fully understand how it works, there is significant evidence that hypnosis can be effective in helping people reach into their own unconscious resources to solve problems normally beyond their ability.
So this shows that the scientific community believes that it is, indeed, possible to achieve weight loss from hypnosis.
The Research
In a meta-analysis (a comparison of multiple studies) showed that adding hypnosis increased weight loss by an average of 97% during treatment, and even more importantly, increased the effectiveness POST TREATMENT by over 146%. This shows that hypnosis works even better over time (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1996).
In a study of 60 women separated into hypnosis versus non-hypnosis groups, the groups using hypnosis lost an average of 17 pounds, while the non-hypnosis group lost an average of only .5 pounds (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1986).
The medical literature shows that hypnosis is effective for treating a wide range of conditions, such as snoring, chronic pain, and improving post-surgery outcomes.
When hypnosis sessions are added to various weight loss programs, the results are always more successful -- more than 146% better over the long term.
So hypnosis is a very effective tool that you should add to your weight loss toolkit!
