If you’re looking for a way to lose weight, you may have heard about hypnosis. Hypnosis is a method of therapy that uses suggestion and relaxation techniques to achieve a trance-like state. Some people believe that hypnosis can help them lose weight by changing their eating habits and controlling their cravings. But does it really work? In this blog post, we will explore the science behind hypnosis and discuss whether or not it can help you lose weight.
How Does Hypnosis Work?
Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and increased suggestibility. During hypnosis, you are in a state of relaxation, and your mind is open to suggestions. While in this state, your critical thinking skills are reduced, and you are more likely to accept suggestions. This makes hypnosis an effective tool for change.
Hypnosis is used for a variety of outcomes such as anxiety reduction, eliminating fears and phobias and changing habits such as smoking, drinking or weight management. So, can hypnosis help you lose weight?
The Science Behind Hypnosis
What is the science behind hypnosis? How does it work? One theory is that hypnosis works by changing your brainwaves. Brainwaves are electrical signals that travel through your brain. There are four different types of brainwaves: beta, alpha, theta and delta. Beta waves are associated with normal waking consciousness, and they are the fastest waves. Alpha waves are slower, and they are associated with relaxation and meditation. Theta waves are even slower, and they are associated with deep relaxation and sleep. Delta waves are the slowest brainwaves, and they are associated with dreamless sleep.
During hypnosis, your brainwave activity changes from beta to alpha or theta. This change in brainwave activity is thought to allow you to become more open to suggestions. Once you are in a state of hypnosis, the therapist will make suggestions to you that are designed to help you lose weight. These suggestions may include changes in diet and exercise habits.
Hypnosis for weight loss works by changing your relationship with food. It can help you to become more aware of your eating habits and the triggers that cause you to overeat. It can also help you to control your cravings and eat less overall.
This is achieved by achieving a state of deep relaxation. While in this state, a clinical hypnotherapist will make suggestions to your subconscious mind that can help you to change your eating habits. For example, they may suggest that you no longer have cravings for certain foods or that you will be satisfied with smaller portion sizes.
Many people struggle with their weight because they are in negative patterns such as comfort eating, missing meals, fad diets, choosing unhealthy foods etc. By entering a relaxed state and allowing your subconscious to absorb the mental imagery and positive suggestions, you should find your weight loss efforts easier.
Is Hypnosis a Miracle Cure?
While hypnosis can be an effective tool for weight loss, it is not a miracle cure. Weight loss hypnosis is effective as part of your weight-loss toolkit, which should also include a nutritious diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to create lasting, positive changes.
Achieving a healthy weight is beneficial to your physical and mental health. Utilising hypnotherapy as part of your weight loss journey adds to your resilience. Ultimately you have to be open to change and be willing to make the necessary changes in order for hypnosis to work.
If you are considering using hypnosis for weight loss, it is important to consult with a qualified professional who can tailor the therapy to your individual needs. We all develop negative habits for our own personal reasons. Whether it’s a way of self-soothing, because you are always busy, or perhaps you’re eating mindlessly, somewhere in your subconscious mind, there’s a reason this pattern has developed.
Myths About Hypnosis
For many, the word hypnosis conjures up images of being made to walk around like a chicken or do silly things. This can make them resistant to trying hypnosis for weight loss. But these images are based on stage hypnosis, which is very different from clinical hypnosis.
In clinical hypnosis, you are always in control, and you can choose to accept or reject any suggestions made. It’s impossible to be hypnotised against your will. Hypnosis is simply a state of deep relaxation that allows you to be more receptive to change.
A qualified clinical hypnotherapist will put you into a state of hypnosis using relaxation techniques. Once you are in this relaxed state, they will make suggestions to your subconscious mind that can help you to change your eating habits and lose weight. This can include mental imagery, verbal repetition, suggestions about healthy eating and movement etc.
How Much Weight Can You Lose With Hypnosis?
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, it is possible to lose a significant amount of weight with hypnosis. It all comes down to the efforts you put in. Hypnotherapy can help enhance weight loss as part of an overall lifestyle change incorporating other weight loss strategies.
It can help to strengthen your resolve and stick to a healthy eating plan. To arm yourself for success, it is best to also get nutritional advice, use a food diary, ensure movement is part of your daily life and be consistent. These are all things that can be suggested to you in your hypnotherapy session to help you achieve your goals.
What to Expect With Hypnotherapy for Weight Loss
When you book a hypnotherapy session for weight loss, your clinical hypnotherapist will likely ask about your medical history and what you hope to achieve. They may also give you a pre-talk about hypnosis and how it works.
Once you are comfortable, they will guide you into a state of relaxation using verbal cues and mental imagery. This state is similar to daydreaming or being in a trance. In this relaxed state, your hypnotherapist will make suggestions to your subconscious mind about healthy eating and lifestyle changes.
You may be given a ‘post-hypnotic suggestion’, which is an instruction to remember or do something when you come out of the trance state. For example, you may be asked to listen to a hypnosis recording at home or visualise yourself eating healthily and exercising regularly.
These post-hypnotic suggestions can help to reinforce the changes you want to make. Most people feel relaxed and refreshed after a hypnotherapy session. Some people even fall asleep!
So, can hypnosis help you lose weight? The answer is yes, if you are on board with it and use it as part of a weight loss toolkit alongside other weight loss strategies. If you’re thinking about using hypnosis for weight loss, it’s essential to do your research and consult with a qualified professional. Hypnosis is a powerful tool that can help you make lasting changes, but it’s not a miracle cure. To be successful, you also need to be willing to put in the work. With consistency and commitment, you can see significant results.
Charles has helped many people lose weight with hypnotherapy, he offers a range of packages which can also include a nutritionist to really help you stay on track and reach your goals. Book a FREE 15-minute chat with Charles below to find out more.