Hypnosis has been an effective tool in the obesity battle. Here are 4 studies supporting the effect of weight loss hypnosis.
Weight loss continues 2 years later: 109 people completed a behavioral treatment for weight management either with or without the addition of hypnosis. At the end of the 9-week program, both interventions resulted in significant weight reduction. At 8-month and 2-year follow-ups, the hypnosis subjects were found to have continued to lose significant weight, while those in the behavioral-treatment-only group showed little further change. (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology)
Weight loss hypnosis 30 times more effective: Researchers investigated effects of hypnosis in weight loss for 60 females who were at least 20% overweight. Treatment included group hypnosis with metaphors for ego-strengthening, decision making and motivation, ideomotor exploration in individual hypnosis, and group hypnosis with maintenance suggestions. Hypnosis was more effective than a control group 17lbs vs. 0.5 lbs on follow-up. (Cochrane, Gordon; Friesen, J 1986)
Hypnosis clients lost more than 90% of non-hypnosis clients: Researchers analyzed 18 studies comparing a cognitive behavioral therapy, such as relaxation training, guided imagery, self-monitoring or goal setting with the same therapy plus hypnosis. Those who received the hypnosis lost more weight than 90 percent of the non-hypnosis, and maintained the weight loss two years after treatment ended. (Allison DB, Faith MS. 1996)
Hypnosis doubles effect of dieting: An analysis of five weight loss studies reported in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 1996 showed that hypnosis can more than double the effects of traditional weight loss approaches. (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 1996)
My 4 session virtual gastric band weight loss program not only offers a unique option to traditional dieting, but also a very interesting hypnotic application that is as enjoyable as it is effective.
Session one focuses on releasing the past and preparing for healthy change. Nearly all of my weight loss clients have been wrestling with their problem for years. Hypnotic release therapy techniques can be extremely powerful, instantly changing ones perspective from struggle to the anticipation of success.
This session also prepares clients for imaginary surgery, which is session two. They are guided through imaginary pre-op testing such as lab work and x-rays; they also meet with a nutritionist as well as their surgeon. At the conclusion of this session most clients feel liberated and refreshed, as though they finally have a choice.
Session two is the surgery session which includes all the sounds of the operating room. With the benefit of Bose noise cancelling headphones and a digital sound system, clients are guided into deep hypnosis and are then transported through an imaginary procedure making it much easier to lose weight.
The imaginative subconscious mind fills in the details with vivid imagery and sensations of the real thing. In fact, a small percentage of individuals actually experience a slight abdominal twinge lending a sense of realism to the process.
Session three mirrors what occurs after real-life gastric band surgery; clients get their gastric band tightened. This session offers another layer of
personal control which makes it easier for clients to succeed with their weight loss goals. Real-life gastric bands can easily be adjusted with a saline syringe, which is what clients are guided to imagine during hypnosis.
Session four supports enhanced confidence and eagerly seeking out healthy nutritional options. It helps clients become more aware of how they feel while eating so they can conclude mealtime when comfortable not full. It also suggests that mealtime be an uninterrupted endeavor; no texting, twitter, or television.
Most clients are pleasantly surprised by how they are easily able to establish healthy nutritional changes. After years of struggling with dieting, this program offers struggle-free, comfortable change. Clients feel as though they are trading-up to preferred options and activities that support what they want.
Dean Ornish directed clinical research for over 30 years proving lifestyle changes may reverse severe coronary heart disease, without drugs or surgery.
A Boston area Hypnotherapist, with 10 years of medical experience as an RN, Paul has been helping clients since 2001 to overcome everyday challenges. Read more
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Healthy Hypnosis: The Simple Truth and Practical Use Paul explains the A-B-C’s of clinical hypnosis and offers case studies and examples of actual client sessions. This is a must read for anyone interested in this fascinating technique.
Weight loss continues 2 years later: 109 people completed a behavioral treatment for weight management either with or without the addition of hypnosis. At the end of the 9-week program, both interventions resulted in significant weight reduction. At 8-month and 2-year follow-ups, the hypnosis subjects were found to have continued to lose significant weight, while those in the behavioral-treatment-only group showed little further change. (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology)
weight than 90 percent of the non-hypnosis, and maintained the weight loss two years after treatment ended. (Allison DB, Faith MS. 1996)
