Research supports weight loss hypnosis

Hypnosis Subjects Lost More Weight Than 90% of Others and Kept it Off Reviewed 18 studies comparing a cognitive behavioral therapy such as relaxation training, guided imagery, self monitoring, or goal setting with the same therapy supplemented by hypnosis. Those who received the hypnosis lost more weight than 90 percent of those not receiving hypnosis and maintained the weight loss two years after treatment ended. J Consult Clin. Psychol. 1996;64(3):513-516.

Hypnosis Over 30 Times as Effective for Weight Loss 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: an average of 17 lbs lost by the hypnosis group vs. an average of .5 lbs  lost by the control group  Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 489-492.

Two Years Later: Hypnosis Subjects Continued To Lose Significant Weight 109 people had treatment for weight with or without hypnosis. After 9-weeks both groups lost significant weight. At 8-month and 2-year follow-ups, the hypnosis subjects were found to have continued to lose significant weight, while those in other group showed little further change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1985)

Hypnosis can more than double the effects of traditional weight loss approaches Review of 5 weight loss studies showed that hypnosis can more than double the effects of traditional weight loss approaches. U. Conn, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 1996 (Vol. 64, No. 3, pgs 517-519)

Hypnotic enhancement for weight loss treatments Hypnosis versus no hypnosis the average short-term weight loss was 6 lbs for those not using hypnosis and 11.83 lbs with hypnosis. Over long term the average loss without hypnosis remained at 6 lbs, with hypnosis jumped to 14.88 lbs. What is impressive about these results is that doing hypnosis under controlled conditions is extremely difficult, and to have the research indicate that people are losing anywhere from about 2 to on average 16 1/2 times more weight under hypnosis than when they do not use it, clearly indicates that hypnosis should be used by anyone who is serious about weight loss and that benefits of hypnosis increased substantially over time. Kirsch, Irving (1996) Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64 (3), 517-519

Hypnotherapy in weight loss treatment 60 females at least 20% overweight and not involved in other treatment. Participants interviewed about family background, educational, and their belief as to their hypnotizability. The group was split into hypnosis and non-hypnosis groups with both groups being given weight-loss behavioral treatments and counseling. Results: hypnosis group lost an average of 17 lbs at the 6-month follow up. Non hypnosis group only lost 1/2 pound. They also found that “hypnotizability” and social and educational backgrounds had nothing to do with the results. Cochrane, Gordon (1986) Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 489-492

Effectiveness of hypnosis for weight management 109 people in 2 groups for a 9-week study. 1st group treated diet and exercise habits with no hypnosis. The 2nd group had same diet and exercise and received hypnosis. After 9 weeks, not surprisingly, both groups lost weight. After 8-month and 2-years: 1st most gained most of their weight back. The 2nd group continued to lose weight during both intervals, and the studies showed that far more people in the hypnosis group met their long-term weight-loss goals. The hypnosis group continued the eating and exercise habits while the non-hypnosis group did not. There is no magic pill for weight loss. It is clear that hypnosis supports diet and exercise adherence. Bolocofsky, David N. (1985) Journal of Clinical Psychology, 41 (1), 35-41