Hypnosis For Weight Loss Research

Hypnosis for weight is not a heavily researched topic. The Mayo clinic website reports that most studies report only modest results from using hypnotism for weight loss.  There are however, studies that suggest much better results.  I have listed below three seperate studies all showing positvie results from using hypnosis for weight loss.  I can't find any source that suggests hypnosis is completely useless.   It does appear safe to say that hypnois is most effective when used in conjuction with a proper eating plan.    Even if your plan for example, is simply to eat vegetables and protein.  Ultimately, the only study that matters to you, is your own personal results. I typically encourage my patients to test products for themselves, especially when there is no financial risk, as is the case with the products reviewed here. Having said that check out these studies.

Hypnosis for Weight Loss: Does It Work?
Research does suggest that subjects using hypnosis to assist in their weight loss efforts are significantly more successful than those who do not.

For example, In one 9-week study of two weight management groups (one using hypnosis and one not using hypnosis), the group who used hypnosis continued to see results in a two year follow up as opposed to no further improvement in the group not using hypnosis. (Journal of Clinical Psychology, 1985). One possible explanation for this effect is that the group using hypnosis was much more effective at actually creating new lasting behavior patterns.

In another study of 60 women separated into two groups, one using hypnosis and the other not, the hypnosis group lost on average 17 pounds as opposed to only .5 pound for the group not using hypnosis. (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1986).

In a broad analysis of multiple studies, comparing the results of adding hypnosis to weight loss treatment programs the results were similar. Analysis shows that adding hypnosis increased weight loss by an average of 97% during treatment, and even more importantly increased the effectiveness POST TREATMENT by over 146%. This shows that hypnosis works even better over time. (Journal of Consulting and Clinical sychology, 1996).

Here are some of the studies:
Cochrane, Gordon; Friesen, J. (1986). Hypnotherapy in weight loss treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 489-492.
Kirsch, Irving (1996). Hypnotic enhancement of cognitive-behavioral weight loss treatments--Another meta-reanalysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64 (3), 517-519.
Allison, David B.; Faith, Myles S. Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy for obesity: A meta-analytic reappraisal. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 1996 Jun Vol 64(3) 513-516
Stradling J, Roberts D, Wilson A, Lovelock F. Controlled trial of hypnotherapy for weight loss in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. International Journal of Obesity Related Metabolic Disorders. 1998 Mar;22(3):278-81.

 This is not a formal research study but the experience of the MSNBC ultimate weight loss challange certainly makes for interesting review.  Read all about it here.