Does Hypnosis Work for Weight Loss? Separating Fact from Fiction

Before you begin reading, find a quiet, distraction-free environment. You may want to sit in a comfortable chair or lie down on a couch or bed.

Now, let's start by taking a few deep breaths in and out. Inhale slowly through your nose, feeling your lungs fill with air, and exhale gently through your mouth, releasing any tension or stress with each breath.

As you continue to relax deeper and deeper, you may notice your mind beginning to drift. That's perfectly okay. Just allow yourself to feel more and more peaceful with each word you read as we explore, does hypnosis work for weight loss?

The Findings Behind Hypnosis for Weight Loss

Many clinicians think of hypnosis as a tool for therapy, rather than therapy itself. Proponents of this practice believe that it taps into a person’s waking state of awareness — or consciousness — to help the patient achieve a mindset in which they believe something — like weight loss — is possible.

Specifically, hypnosis can help to alter perceptions, attitudes and behaviors that may influence:

• Fears and phobias
• Stress
• Unhealthy lifestyles
• Sleep, sexual and speech problems

Hypnosis puts patients into a state of deep relaxation and concentration by way of verbal cues, repetition of words and inspiring certain images. This state allows patients to tap into an area of the mind that forms beliefs and behaviors and focus solely on guidance that may help to improve their overall health.

That said, it’s possible to enter a hypnotic state even without the prompting of a professional. It’s akin to the drowsiness and inattention present when daydreaming, washing the dishes or listening to a boring speech.

For specifically losing weight, hypnotherapy may be an effective tool, in addition to healthy eating habits and exercise. In fact, controlled trials have identified a two to three percent reduction in body weight in participants following hypnotherapy for weight loss.

Another study identified that hypnotherapy that utilized cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) — which aims to alter patients’ thinking patterns — was particularly effective in patient’s weight loss efforts.

Self-hypnosis, by way of relaxing and setting your mind on a set goal or visualization, may also support weight loss in several ways:

• Increasing self-control – A 2018 study found that participants who used self-hypnosis, in addition to an individualized meal and exercise plan, consumed fewer calories throughout the day and lost more weight than the group who only utilized diet and exercise.
• Lowering body mass – A 2020 study found that hypnotherapy supported a lower body mass index (BMI) in participants and also reduced a hormone called leptin, which can contribute to weight gain.
• Supporting exercise and diet efforts – A review found that hypnotherapy, combined with diet and exercise, is the most effective in supporting weight loss.

Further, a 2021 review concluded that hypnotherapy does support weight loss, although more research is needed as many studies encountered high drop-out rates, small sample sizes and varied techniques and durations.

Individual success stories back these results, too. In 2014, CNN published a feature on Julie Evans, a woman whose body weight was preventing her from living, and enjoying, life. She spoke to a certified hypnotherapist who specialized in “hypnotic gastric bypass.” This hypnosis technique convinces the mind that the stomach is smaller, thus decreasing food intake.

Evans experienced results after her first hypnotherapy session and lost 150 pounds over the course of two years.

Fact Vs. Fiction: Hypnosis for Weight Loss

Despite its growing popularity and emerging research as a complementary tool for weight management, hypnosis remains shrouded in misconceptions and myths. In this section, we debunk several common misconceptions surrounding hypnosis for weight loss.

Myth: Hypnosis is a Form of Mind Control

Fact: You Are Always in Control

Although a hypnotherapist can guide your journey by inspiring certain breathing techniques, triggering imagery and encouraging muscle relaxation, they cannot control your mind or make you do something you don’t want to do.

Hypnosis does make your mind more open to suggestions, such as increasing a love for healthy eating and exercising regularly, but you will not lose control over your mind or body.

Myth: Hypnosis is Dangerous

Fact: Hypnosis is Safe When Practiced Responsibly

There is very little risk associated with hypnosis for weight loss. As stated, a hypnotherapist cannot make someone do something against their will. Rather, hypnosis may support full-body health, helping to:

• Regulate blood sugar levels
• Manage blood pressure
• Support heart health
• Modulate moods

Myth: Hypnosis is a Form of Deep Sleep

Fact: You are Awake and Aware During Hypnosis

While your mind and body do enter a deep state of relaxation, you are not asleep and will not experience amnesia after a hypnotherapy session. During the practice, you will be aware of the entirety of the session and be able to recall the journey after you’ve entered a more wakeful state.

Myth: Hypnosis is an Effective Tool For Everyone

Fact: Hypnosis is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Technique

Hypnosis for weight loss will not work the same for everyone. In reality, its effectiveness can vary depending on individual factors such as mindset, motivation and susceptibility to suggestion.

5 Ways to Support Your Weight Loss Efforts

As studies suggest, pairing hypnotherapy with additional weight loss techniques can help you meet your goals. We explore five below.

#1 Increase Your Protein Intake

To bolster your successful weight loss journey, consider upping your protein intake. Protein plays a crucial role in satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer periods, which can help to decrease your food intake and create a calorie deficit.

Incorporate lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, tofu, beans and legumes into your meals and snacks. Protein-rich foods also support muscle growth and repair, which can enhance your metabolism and aid in burning calories more efficiently. Aim to include a source of protein in each meal to keep hunger at bay and support your weight loss efforts effectively.

For those who find it difficult to consume their daily amount of protein, consider a protein shake like the INVIGOR8 All-In-One Superfood Shake. It’s packed with whey protein and vital nutrients to support your overall wellness. Overall, understanding how to increase protein intake in your diet can provide a solid foundation for sustainable health improvements alongside hypnotherapy.

#2 Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity is essential for achieving and maintaining weight loss. Incorporate a mix of cardiovascular exercise, strength training and flexibility exercises into your weekly routine to maximize calorie burn and promote overall health.

To stay motivated, find activities you enjoy, whether it's brisk walking, cycling, swimming or dancing. Then, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Additionally, don't forget to include strength training exercises to build muscle mass, which can boost your metabolism and aid in weight loss over time.

#3 Manage Your Stress Levels

When it comes to understanding how to lose weight naturally, an important fact to know is that stress can sabotage your weight loss efforts by triggering emotional eating and disrupting hormone levels associated with appetite regulation. To reduce your stress levels and promote relaxation, implement stress management techniques such as:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Spending time in nature

Also, prioritize self-care activities that help you unwind and recharge, such as reading, listening to music or taking a warm, lavender-infused bath.

#4 Practice Mindful Eating

Hypnosis may be able to support mindful eating efforts, too. Mindful eating involves paying attention to your food choices, hunger cues and eating behaviors without judgment or distraction.

Slow down during meals, chew your food thoroughly and savor each bite to enhance satisfaction and prevent overeating. Also, you’ll want to tune into your body's hunger and fullness signals, eat only when you're physically hungry and stop when you're comfortably satisfied.

Also, minimize distractions such as television, smartphones or computers during meals to focus on the sensory experience of eating.

#5 Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic and achievable goals is crucial for maintaining motivation and momentum on your weight loss journey. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. Be specific about what you want to achieve, whether it's losing a certain amount of weight, fitting into a favorite pair of jeans or improving your overall health markers.

For this, you can set SMART goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound to keep you focused and accountable.

Protein for Weight Loss: INVIGOR8

Overall, studies do suggest that hypnosis is a viable technique that people can implement into their weight loss plans to reach their health and wellness goals. By entering into a state of deep relaxation, the mind becomes more open to adopting healthy habits, such as eating healthier, moving more often and eating more mindfully.

For a well-rounded approach to weight loss support, add INVIGOR8 to your journey. Our All-In-One Superfood Shakes support healthy weight loss, as well as digestive, cognitive and immune health. Plus, they come in four delicious flavors: Triple Chocolate Brownie, French Vanilla, Natural Strawberry and Himalayan Salted Caramel. To maximize the benefits of your nutritional intake, explore how to use protein powder for weight loss, offering you practical tips and strategies to effectively integrate protein powder into your diet.

We also prioritize healthy living through our Complete Weight Loss Program. The weight loss kit includes our organic superfoods powder, as well as Burner and unflavored Collagen Peptides to support consistent, long-term weight loss, fat loss, metabolic function and mobility. You’ll also receive a 28-day Clean Eating Meal Plan eBook to complement each shake.

Begin your journey today with INVIGOR8.

Sources:

1. Better Health Channel. Hypnosis
2. Cleveland Clinic. Hypnosis
3. APA. What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
4. Cleveland Clinic. What is Self-Hypnosis?
5. Healthline. Self-Hypnosis For Weight Loss
6. Science Direct. ​​Hypnotherapy for overweight and obese patients: A narrative review
7. CNN. Hypnosis helped her lose 140 pounds
8. Mayo Clinic. Weight loss: 6 strategies for success