Some therapists employ hypnosis as a therapy to assist patients in achieving complete relaxation. Practitioners think that throughout a session, the conscious and unconscious mind can concentrate on verbal repetition and mental imagery. As a result, the mind becomes receptive to ideas and open to modifications in attitudes, feelings, and routines.
Since the 1700s, individuals have utilised variations of this complementary therapy to treat everything from smoking to bedwetting. Hypnosis research has also shown some potential in the treatment of obesity.
How Hypnosis works
Numerous researches have backed up the advantages of mindfulness-based therapies for reducing various behaviours connected to obesity.
Hypnosis is a trance-like mental state in which people exhibit heightened attention, concentration, and suggestibility. It is also known as hypnotherapy or hypnotic suggestion.
Many different medical disorders have been treated with hypnosis.
With the patient fully awake and alert, self-conditioning techniques that have been adapted from hypnosis, such as self-hypnosis, promote self-control and self-management of emotions.
Recent hypnosis techniques with a rapid-induction phase enable the patient to enter hypnosis in a matter of minutes and may be used to change the way obese people live their lives.
During the process, the therapist makes suggestions to assist in altering the diet or exercise routines or other approaches to achieve weight loss objectives once the individual has attained a more receptive frame of mind.
This stage could benefit from the repetition of certain words or phrases. The therapist could also use vivid mental imagery to help one picture themselves accomplishing goals.
Does hypnotherapy help promote weight loss?
For those trying to lose weight, hypnosis might be more helpful than diet and exercise alone. The concept is that behaviours like overeating can be changed by manipulating the mind. But it's still unclear exactly how effective it might be.
In a previous controlled trial, hypnosis was used to help persons with obstructive sleep apnea lose weight. The study compared two distinct types of hypnotherapies to basic dietary recommendations for treating obesity and sleep apnea. In three months, each of the 60 participants lost 2 to 3 percent of their body weight.
However, a recent study found that patients who received hypnosis had reduced rates of inflammation, improved satiety, and better quality of life, even if the trial only produced modest weight loss effects. These could be the methods by which hypnosis affects weight. To completely comprehend the possible function of hypnosis in weight management, more research is required.
It is unlikely that employing weight-loss hypnosis alone will result in noticeable weight loss, but for some people, adding it to a general lifestyle approach may be worthwhile.
In an Instagram live session with ETimes Lifestyle, holistic health guru Pooja Bedi also discussed the various advantages of hypnotherapy, calling it a "wonderful approach" to deprogram and get rid of undesirable patterns and conflicts. Numerous Hollywood stars have also used hypnosis to solve their difficulties. It is even referred to as the next biggest wellness trend by several experts.
Some of the celebrities that used hypnosis for weight loss include David Beckham, Lily Allen, Adele, and Sophie Dahl.
Former plus-size model Sophie always took great pride in her size. One day she realised that her eating patterns were harming her health and made the decision that it was time to lose weight. She was able to change her mindset with the use of hypnotherapy, and she has since maintained her slimmer shape for almost ten years while pursuing a very lucrative modelling career.
Another celebrity who used hypnotherapy to lose two dress sizes before a vacation is Lily. According to her therapist, she utilised verbal strategies to change Lily's perceptions of liquor and junk food, emphasising the idea that they didn't satisfy her emotional needs and actually hindered her attempts to get the thinner physique she desired. Her focus shifted from being self-conscious and self-critical to being happy about how she perceived herself in the mirror.
It's significant to remember that there isn't much evidence to support weight loss using hypnosis alone. Much of what can be found for weight loss through hypnotherapy is in combination with diet and exercise.
The greatest approach to reduce weight is through diet and exercise. However, hypnotherapy can assist with changing other undesirable lifestyle habits in addition to helping one practise diet and exercise more effectively.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
Most people are seen to be safe using hypnosis and adverse reactions are rare if done under the guidance of a qualified therapist. It is not a method of mind control or brainwashing. A person cannot be forced into performing something embarrassing or against their will by a therapist.
However, there are some potential risks including headache, dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, distress, and false memory creation. These usually fade shortly after the hypnotherapy session.
Before attempting hypnotherapy, people who experience hallucinations or delusions should consult their doctor. Additionally, hypnosis shouldn't be used on someone who is under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
Additional tips to promote weight loss
Try moving your body most days of the week. Make an effort to do one to two hours of moderate exercise per week, such as walking, water aerobics, dancing, or one to two hours of more strenuous exercise, such as running, swimming laps, or gym. You can also try completing the daily step count.
Keep track of when, how much, and whether or not you're eating in response to hunger. By doing so, you might be able to recognise poor behavior, such as munching out of boredom.
Aim for more servings of fruit and vegetables. You should also add more fiber and protein to the diet as it might curb your appetite by instilling feelings of fullness and satiety.
Drink at least eight glasses of water daily as it will not help you keep hydrated but also prevent overeating and speed up the metabolism.
Have regular meals and avoid skipping any of them as it keeps the metabolism running strong.
