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Weight-loss hypnosis: Does it work?

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Hypnosis can be used by therapists to achieve total relaxation. The practitioners believe that both the conscious and subconscious mind can concentrate and focus on verbal repetitions and mental imagery during hypnosis sessions. This opens the mind to suggestion and allows for change in behavior, emotions, and habits.

This alternative therapy has been around since the 1700s and can be used for everything from nail-biting to bed-wetting to smoking cessation. As we will see in this article, hypnosis also has some promising results for treating obesity.

People who are looking to lose weight may find that hypnotherapy weight loss near me is more effective than diet and exercise. The theory is that the mind can influence eating habits such as overeating. The effectiveness of this approach is still unknown.

An earlier controlled trial examined the effects of hypnotherapy on weight loss in patients with obstructive sleeping apnea. The study examined two types of hypnotherapy and simple diet advice to weight loss and sleep disorders. The 60 participants lost an average of 2 to 3 percentage points in three months.

Average weight loss of the hypnotherapy groups was 8 pounds at 18 months. Although the additional weight loss was not significant by researchers, they felt that hypnotherapy should be investigated further as a possible treatment for obesity.

A comparison of hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to lose weight showed that the treatment resulted in a modest weight loss compared to the placebo. Researchers concluded that although hypnotherapy might increase weight loss, it is not supported by enough research.

It is important that you note that there are not many studies supporting hypnosis as a weight loss strategy. A lot of the information you will find is about hypnotherapy combined with diet, exercise and counseling.

Hypnotherapy is a session where your therapist will begin by explaining the basics of hypnosis. Your goals will be discussed. The therapist might then start speaking in a gentle, relaxing voice to help relax you and create a sense of security.

Once you have reached a more open mind, your therapist can suggest ways to help with your diet and exercise to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

This stage can be helped by repeating certain phrases or using specific words. Through vivid mental imagery, your therapist can help you to visualize yourself reaching your goals.

Your therapist will assist you in releasing hypnosis to bring you back into your original state.

Your goals will dictate the length and number of sessions that you need. Some people can see results in only one to three sessions.

There are several types of hypnotherapy. Suggestion therapy can be used to treat habits such as smoking, nail-biting and eating disorders.

Your therapist might also combine hypnotherapy with other treatments like CBT or nutrition advice.

The biggest benefit of hypnosis, however, is its ability to relax people and make them more open to suggestions for changing their behavior. Some people may notice faster results, while others might not.

Research shows that certain people may be more sensitive to the effects and therefore more likely to reap the benefits of hypnosis. Certain personality traits such as openness and selflessness, for example, could make someone more vulnerable to hypnosis.

Study results also revealed that women are more susceptible to hypnosis after they reach 40.

When hypnosis is practiced under the supervision and guidance of a trained therapist, it can be considered safe for most people. It’s not intended to be used for mind control or brainwashing. A therapist cannot force a person to do something they don’t want or embarrassing.

Hypnosis can be used safely for most people. Rarely are there any adverse reactions.

These are some of the possible risks:

Headache
dizziness
Droozing
Anxiety
distress
False memories

Hypnotherapy should not be used on people who have experienced hallucinations, delusions or hallucinations. A person under the influence or drugs should not undergo hypnosis.

Here are some tips to help you achieve weight loss.

Every day, move your body. You can choose to engage in 150 minutes of moderate exercise (such as walking, water aerobics and gardening) or 75 minutes in more intense activities (such as running laps, swimming laps, or climbing hills) each week.
Keep a food diary. Keep track of what you eat, when you eat, and whether you are hungry. You may be able to identify unhealthy habits such as snacking out boredom.
Eat fruits and vegetables. Each day, aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables. For a curb on your appetite, you need to eat more fiber — 25-30 grams per day.
You should drink six to eight glasses daily of water. Overeating can be prevented by staying hydrated.
Avoid the temptation to skip meals. You can keep your metabolism strong by eating throughout the day.

Although hypnosis might offer an advantage over other methods of weight loss, it is not a quick fix. However, research suggests that hypnosis may be a good combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Hypnosis is being evaluated for weight loss. More research is needed. Ask your doctor for help in creating a personalized weight loss program to meet your goals.