Weight loss is most reliably attained through changing the diet and exercise. But many products and services on the market such as supplements and hypnosis, claim to establish long-term, sustainable weight loss. One product that has been on the market for the last 20 years is music containing subliminal messages to induce weight loss. Whether these messages actually cause any weight loss is still up for debate, but current studies seem to point to the answer being no.
Identification
Subliminal messages are delivered without a person realizing they have been told or shown something. These messages are said to be received at a "subliminal" level, or below conscious awareness, but can change conscious choices, according to Douglas A. Bernstein in his book, "Essentials of Psychology." Since the creation of subliminal messages by James Vicary in the 1960s, millions of dollars have gone into creating audiotapes, CDs and videos containing such messages. Producers of the messages claim they can help with a variety of issues, including losing weight.
Features
When it comes to subliminal messages for weight loss, messages are often sold as a part of CDs or audio tracks, embedded in relaxing music or ocean sounds. According to Dennis Coon in his book, "Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and Behavior," the subliminal messages purportedly influence "subconscious motivation" to help listeners lose weight. This approach may include messages such as "eat less" or "exercise more" or affirmations such as, "I attain my ideal weight effortlessly."
Why They May Not Work
There are several reasons that subliminal messages geared toward weight loss may not work for you. Teri D. Mahaney notes in her book, "Supersleep: The Ultimate Power to Change Your Life" that most subliminal tapes have 10 to 12 messages embedded under the music, so if those don't click for you, then the tape won't work. Also, more than 95 percent of tapes are made with a male voice, and Mahaney believes that women don't accept subliminal messages in a male voice. Some are also poorly written and can worsen the conditions they are supposed to help.
Considerations
Bernstein notes that while several studies support the notion that subliminal information can have an impact on judgments and emotion, they say little or nothing of the value of subliminal recordings for achieving self-help goals such as losing weight. James S. Nairne, author of the book "Psychology" also considers the idea that subliminal messages for weight loss may act as a placebo. Some studies have found weight loss occurred whether or not the tapes people were listening to actually had subliminal messages on them.
References
- "Essentials of Psychology"; Douglas A. Bernstein; 2010
- "Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and Behavior"; Dennis Coon; 2008
- "Supersleep: The Ultimate Power to Change Your Life"; Teri D. Mahaney; 2002
- "Psychology"; James S. Nairne; 2008
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