Using Hypnosis for Weight Loss

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 68% of all Americans are overweight. Other sources indicate that 50 million begin a diet each year, a diet that few are able to stick to long term. Those statistics have created an intensely competitive market with companies hawking supplements and diet programs. Since consumers are desperate to lose weight, they buy into the products and plans.

Of course, we know that there is no magic formula for weight loss. Regular exercise and healthy eating patterns are the only way to achieve lasting weight loss. It is discovering the motivation to stick to these precepts that is difficult. But it can be easier through the use of self-hypnosis.

Hypnosis is a concept many people associate with Hippies and the 60s and 70s, a fad that disappeared along with mood rings and pet rocks. Current exposure to hypnosis typically consists of stage shows with hypnotists getting people to do things they insist they never would under normal conditions.

In truth, hypnosis simply causes the target to become extremely relaxed. While hypnotized, people will not act in contrast to their everyday behavior. In the relaxed state, it does help people be more open to certain ideas.

Further, the American Medical Association declares that hypnosis is not only real but can have positive effects on the body.

Hypnosis can have a profound effect on weight loss through the increase in motivation created through what is termed sensory imaging. Sensory imaging for weight loss is a type of hypnosis that can be performed by yourself. Start by finding a quiet place that will give you solitude for at least half an hour. Lower the lights, and then get comfortable.

With your eyes closed, listen to your breathing. Consciously slow it as you relax the muscles in your body. Start with your jaw, then move down to your shoulders, and so on until you feel totally relaxed.

The sensory imaging should begin at this point. You are going to create various scenarios with yourself as part of them. You should try to include as many details as possible, using as many of your senses as you can. If you were to picture a coffee house, see the details, smell the coffee, hear the soft talking and the clink of spoons, taste the warm liquid.

For weight loss, create pictures that give you a chance to see yourself as you wish to look. The ideas you have in your mind might include something like this:

As you walk into the restaurant, you are aware of the eyes upon you. You walk confidently to the table, shoulders back and head held high. You smooth your clothes as you sit, feeling the curve of your body. You can't stop smiling, knowing how good you look and feeling in control. The fresh vegetables taste sweet and refreshing. You are amazed that you can concentrate on the conversation instead of the food. Old friends pass by and comment about your weight loss, telling you how great you look.

The setting for sensory imaging could be anywhere associated with your weight loss and its results: the gym, shopping for clothes, playing with your kids. It needs to be a situation you can clearly experience.

The sensory imaging becomes more effective for weight loss later, when you are confronted with a fatty dessert choice or wanting to watch television rather than exercise. You ask yourself which you want more: the food or television show, or the body that goes with that visualization? A good sensory imaging session can give you the willpower to stick to your weight loss program.

Self-hypnosis tapes for weight loss can be purchased if you don't want to create your own sensory imaging experience. It doesn't matter where you get the details as long as you use hypnosis to help with your healthy weight loss program. Hypnosis can help you avoid being one of those statistics and instead be one of the few who lost weight and kept it off successfully.

References

J. Anderson, L.Young, and J.Roach. "Weight Loss Products and Programs." Colorado State University Extension Program. Ext.colostate.edu.

CDC. "Obesity and Overweight." Cdc.gov.

"Hypnotherapy." Wikipedia.org.