Most people who lose weight will gain it back, and nearly 66 percent of them will gain additional weight as well, according to a study conducted at the University of California at Los Angeles. The researchers concluded that dieting, in most cases, simply does not work—in fact, dieting usually predicts future weight gain. Failed diets and weight loss programs create frustration and desperation, which is when unproven or odd weight loss methods may begin to look appealing to you.
Oral Devices
Knowing when you’re full helps to prevent overeating. However, if you eat too quickly, your brain doesn’t have enough time to register that you’re full and you may eat more than you should. Enter oral devices such as SMARTbite®. According to William H. Langley, CEO of Scientific Intake—the creators of SMARTbite—dieters insert this oral device into their upper palate, which disrupts their normal chewing pattern and slows down their eating. It also has a microsensor that collects data you, your doctor or weight loss counselor can download to track your weight-loss progress.
In a study in the journal “Obesity” on the DDS system, another oral weight-loss device, researchers found that it significantly lowered food intake. However, it did not affect hunger or satiety.
Body Vibration Machine
This weight-loss method involves standing or sitting on a vibration platform and your muscles react to the vibration, explains Edward R. Laskowski, the Mayo Clinic’s physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. According to Laskowski, the muscle response may burn some calories during whole body vibration training, but this weight-loss method doesn’t come close to the effectiveness of aerobic exercise such as walking or swimming. (Reference 4) However, a study published in “Obesity Facts: the European Journal of Obesity” found that whole body vibration training may promote weight loss if you’re also reducing calories and doing other aerobic activities. (Reference 5)
Hypnotherapy
During hypnosis you’re guided to receive suggestions to invoke certain changes in your beliefs, feelings, thoughts or behavior. This ancient practice has been used for a wide variety of reasons, most notably pain control. But, today it’s also marketed as a weight loss tool. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies on the benefits of hypnosis for weight loss are mixed. Still, there’s some evidence that hypnosis may help overweight or obese people lose weight if it’s combined with exercise, a low-fat diet and cognitive behavioral therapy.
References
- UCLA Magazine: Dieting Doesn’t Work
- SMARTbite: The SMARTbite Story
- "A New Dental Approach for Reducing Food Intake"; Obesity: September 2004
- Mayo Clinic: Fitness- Whole body vibration training: An effective workout?
- “Effect of Long-Term Whole Body Vibration Training on Visceral Adipose Tissue”; Obesity Facts: April 2010
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