Weight Loss Hypnotherapy

Over two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight, and over one-third are obese reports the Weight-Control Information Network. With the rise of the obesity epidemic, many people have turned to alternative approaches to weight loss, including hynotherapy. Hypnotherapy is used by licensed hypnotherapists to induce a state of deep relaxation and focus. In this altered state of consciousness, verbal repetitions and mental images are introduced by the therapist to bring about behavioural changes, which may help some people achieve their weight loss goals.

History

Derived from the Greek word "hypnos", the word hypnosis literally means "sleep." The current day practice of hypnosis dates back to the 1700s, to the work of an Austrian physician named Franz Anton Mesmer. Mesmer used hypnotic techniques to treat various illnesses, but was denounced by the medical community because of his unscientific approach. The American Psychological Association and the American Medical Association recognized hypnotherapy as a legitimate medical procedure in 1958. In 1978, Alan B. Densky, CH, included hypnotic appetite suppression and hypnosis for weight loss in his practice. Currently, hypnotherapy weight loss programs are widely available, not only in one-on-one clinical settings, but also on audio CD's and downloads for the computer.

Features

According to Judith E. Pearson, Ph.D., author of "The Weight, Hypnotherapy and You, Weight Reduction Program," the purpose of hypnotherapy for patients wishing to lose weight, is to alleviate compulsive eating and to enhance the motivation for exercise and weight loss. The inital phase of hypnotherapy is focused on relaxation and reassurance about the treatment process. As you enter the hypnotic state, your thoughts become more focused and your body relaxes. While in this state, you are fully awake mentally and therefore in a heightened state of awareness and responsiveness to suggestion. The licensed hypnotherapist will use a process called "reframing." This is intended to help identify inner motivations that may be prompting unwanted behaviours such as overeating or eating when not hungry. Hypnotherapy is also geared towards self-empowerment and the ability to develop solution-oriented thinking patterns, so that you become your own ally in your weight loss goals.

Misconceptions

Vegas-style stage hypnotists and Hollywood's portrayal of hypnosis on the silver screen, has lead to wide misunderstanding of the true nature of hypnotherapy. One of the most common myths is when under hypnosis, you are unconscious or asleep. In actuality, a hypnotized person is more fully awake, with heightened concentration and increased attention, which enhances the receptiveness to suggestion. In addition, hypnosis is a state of consent and cooperation, not an unconcsious state where the therapist has some mystical power over you and your will.

Benefits

In her book, Dr. Pearson writes, "scientific research has shown that hypnotherapy can help people manage their eating habits and reduce their weight." In addition to these benefits, hypnotherapy can develop and enhance coping skills that can be applied to other areas of life. According to Loretta Peters-Martin, Certified and Advanced Hypnotherapist, hypnosis is an excellent way of releasing false beliefs we accepted as children. It is a powerful tool for releasing old concepts and belief systems which no longer serve us. Peters-Martin encourages her clients to let go of the old, false beliefs in order to make room for the healthy new beliefs that can help them become the person they want to be.

Expert Insight

According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist, Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., when used in conjunction with other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, hypnosis may help you lose a few extra pounds. However, Zeratsky doesn't believe that there is enough scientific evidence to recommend for or against hypnotherapy for weight loss. Many studies have been conducted over the years that evaluated the efficacy of hypnosis for losing weight. Zeratsky points out that most found positive but modest weight-loss results with the average participant losing about six pounds. For people who have struggled with traditional approaches to weight loss, such as calorie reduction and exercise, hypnotherapy may be a useful tool.