What Is Weight Loss Hypnosis?
With over 34% of all Americans currently considered overweight or obese, every reasonable weight loss method should be explored. A method that is drug-free and can be quite helpful is the use of weight loss hypnosis. The use of hypnosis for weight loss has been proven to work for many and can be used in a variety of ways. Hypnosis has become mainstream in medicine for behavior modification as well as for pain control and is no longer considered a parlor trick.
Unfortunately, even valid methods are subject to extreme and unethical claims, so some caution is advised when considering weight loss hypnosis. As in any health plan, a coordinated and comprehensive program works best for losing weight, and will usually involve nutrition counseling, a careful diet plan, exercise, perhaps medications or supplements, and behavioral support, which includes hypnosis.
Understanding what hypnosis is may help to understand how it is utilized in weight control. While weight loss hypnosis is something only recently utilized, hypnosis itself has been around since no later than 1770 when it was used by Franz Mesmer, it is more likely of a more ancient origin than that. ‘Sleep’ healing and magnetic healing, which were techniques used by Paracelsus, were most likely forms of hypnosis rather than utilizing any properties of the stones, chants, or incantations used. These rituals and chants were likely different ways in which the hypnosis was induced.
Originally the trance state, which is somewhere between waking and sleeping in a state of suggestibility, was called a mesmeric trance, after Mesmer, or “animal magnetism.” It was not known as hypnotism until 1843 when Scottish surgeon James Braid gave it the name we now use. He used shiny objects to focus attention to induce the trance, often a pocket watch. By 1958 the AMA had affirmed the clinical value of hypnosis for several applications.
When used for weight control, hypnosis is usually directed at reinforcing the patient’s desire to lose weight and be healthy, to actively suppress appetite, and to focus on success. Sometimes negative associations are given to dangerous fattening foods that may be a weakness for some patients. Like any successful weight reduction, weight loss hypnosis also much include a lower calorie diet and an exercise regime. However, by increasing compliance with these, hypnosis can significantly increase the chances of actually making a weight loss goal and keeping excess weight off.
Don’t believe anyone that tells you hypnosis will work with a single session and promise you a miracle cure. Most hypnotherapists agree that continuing treatments and reinforcing sessions are the key to achieving your goals. And don’t fall for anything that tells you that you can hypnotize yourself and don’t need any other help. Always make sure that you research carefully and if you have concerns, talk to your doctor first.
More than one-third of Americans are now overweight, so every avenue to lose weight is worth exploring. In conjunction with diet and exercise, weight loss hypnosis is an effective way of losing weight and keeping it off. Hypnosis works by making suggestions while the patient is in a trancelike state between sleeping and waking, and was approved by the AMA in 1958 for various clinical applications. Regular sessions can help motivate a patient to stay positive and keep working toward weight loss goals. Hypnosis for weight loss can also include appetite suppression suggestions and negative associations for unhealthy foods. Choose a reputable, licensed hypnotherapist for the best possible results.
- lee dobbins