Hypnosis & Weight Loss: Empower the Subconscious and Control the Impulse to Overeat

Can hypnosis lead to weight loss? For many, the answer is yes! For many individuasl suffering from stress related activities, food has become a comfort and a method for relieving that weight loss. As a result, the pounds have packed on! For these individuals, the use of hypnosis, as part of a weight loss program, has become a viable option to promoting the shedding of pounds through training the subconscious. Understanding the method by which hypnosis leads to an effective weight loss will ensure the proper weight control and weight loss program is selected.

Under the theory of hypnosis, it is believed the subconscious controls our responses to the environment. Training the subconscious to act and perform is a method achieved through a variety of hypnosis sessions. While, not considered a full state of sleep, hypnosis is described as the transition period between being awake and being asleep; a time when the subconscious continues to receive information but we are not fully aware of our environment. One might describe the sensation similar to that of being engrossed in a television show. While awake and capable of taking and receiving information, the subconsious is functional during this period.

During a hypnosis session, the body is in an extreme state of relaxation. Similar to the relaxation when driving long distances, the mind becomes relaxed. So is the state of hypnosis. In terms of weight loss, clinical hypnotists will recommend several sessions of hypnosis in which the alpha state of mind becomes entranced with the idea of following health eating patterns. Additionally, the messages of obesity and poor health, through improper dietary selections, are sent through to the subconscious during the hypnosis session. It is through these hypnosis sessions that dieting clients claim the program, in addition to dietary changes and exercise, work to improve the mental process associated with a weight loss program. Research has shown, on average, hyposis as part of a weight loss program, when performed once per week over an eight week period, may be effective. So, how effective is hypnosis for weight loss?

In most research studies, hypnosis is found to be effective, when combined with diet and exercise, in the loss of low to moderate amounts of weight. Further research shows that the hypnosis program, when successful in weight loss, proved effective in assisting the hypnosis client in maintaining the weight loss for greater than two years. With this in mind, the summary of the findings suggest that while hypnosis may not significantly improve the weight loss process itself, the greater impact may be found in the post-weight loss period when many dieters rebound and gain weight back more easily. For this reason, dieters may choose hypnosis both during and after losing weight.

When selecting a hypnotist, how do we know who is the best in the profession? While many states do not regulate licensing of hypnotists, the key factors in choosing a hypnotist include choosing someone who does not guarantee results and someone who does not make irrational claims to cure all disease and illnesses. Also consider someone who is licensed in another form of mental health such as a psychologist or psychiatrist as many of these individuals are well versed in the practice of hypnosis.

Whatever the weight loss plan chosen, considering hypnosis as a supplemental key part of the dieting process, including prevention of rebound after weight loss, may be the final piece of the puzzle to ensuring a successful program. With relaxing and benefical effects to the mental health, hypnosis for weight loss may also lead to a variety of mental health improvements including the psychological components of other diseases and conditions.