Do you want to stop eating so much but cannot resist your favourite food… or any food? Is eating your go-to pastime even if you don’t want it to be? Have you done yo-yo dieting many times but gained weight again?
Losing weight is not easy at all. However, we have a solution. And it is not medicines, surgery, or yoga.
Enter hypnosis. You will find out: What is hypnosis? How does it work? Does it have enough scientific proof? If yes, is it positive? What can you expect if you try this method to lose weight? In this blog post.
Hypnosis is a treatment method. It is a trance-like state that increases your focus and concentration. It opens your subconscious mind to positive suggestions. Hypnosis uses this half asleep state to change your negative thoughts, behaviours, and perceptions.
Hypnosis works by tapping into the subconscious mind. It stores our habits, beliefs, and automatic behaviours. Unlike the conscious mind (logical and analytical) your subconscious mind is more receptive to suggestions.
You can bypass your conscious mind’s critical faculties during hypnosis. This allows you to communicate directly with the subconscious. This is where you can reprogramme deep-seated patterns.
How Hypnosis Works?
Researchers have found several theories to explain its effects. One prevalent theory is that hypnosis induces a state of focused attention, where the mind becomes highly receptive to suggestions. You may be more open to changing your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours in that state.
Brain imaging studies show that hypnosis targets brain activity. It affects the parts of your brain that control attention, memory, and self-awareness. Also, it calms your body, too.
You may have: A decreased heart rate, lower blood pressure, and more alpha-brain wave activity in your hypnosis sessions. Slow brain waves allow you to focus on your subconscious mind.
Techniques Used in Hypnosis for Weight Loss
Hypnotherapists use several methods to help clients reach their ideal weight. Some methods are:
Parts Therapy: This hypnosis helps you lose weight by reaching out to the different parts of your psyche. It builds harmony and develops positive behaviours by negotiating and resolving conflicts between parts of your thoughts. For example, the thought part that wants comfort through food…and the thought part that wants to lose weight.
Guided Imagery: You can visualise yourself achieving your weight loss goals. You can mentally rehearse the behaviours you want to build. You can do it if you imagine scenarios of you eating healthy foods, enjoying exercise, and feeling confident in your body. Visualisation helps you take up positive habits and make healthier choices.
Positive Suggestion: It uses direct suggestions to change your behaviours and thoughts. For weight loss, your hypnotherapist takes you into a relaxed, half-asleep state where your subconscious mind can receive new ideas easily. Then they give you positive suggestions that can change how you see losing weight.
These suggestions might include affirmations: “I am in control of my eating habits,” “I enjoy filling my body with healthy foods,” or “I feel excited to exercise regularly.” The more suggestible the affirmations, the more beneficial they can be.
Regression Therapy: Regression therapy takes you back to your past events that may be linked to your current weight issues. Your therapist helps you find out your deepest unmet emotional needs. You can revisit these memories to resolve hidden emotional triggers i.e. trauma, stress, or negative beliefs about yourself. You can release your emotional burdens and build a healthier relationship with food this way.
Anchor Installation: This method links a specific physical action with a calm mental state. That physical action can trigger the same positive feelings or behaviours when you face hurtful situations.
For example, an anchor can help you feel confident and calm in stressful situations. You can press your fingers together to activate the anchor as soon as you have cravings or face food-related temptations.
Psychological and Physiological Aspects
Psychological Mechanisms
Hypnosis for weight loss helps you manage the psychological factors that make you overeat and gain weight. Hypnotherapy can help you find out the underlying beliefs and behaviours that don’t allow you to lose weight… through your subconscious mind.
Hypnotherapy can resolve any past negative issues that make you do emotional eating through regression therapy and inner child work. You can develop a healthier relationship with food if you change these deep-seated patterns.
Physiological Mechanisms
Hypnosis affects your physiology to help you lose weight, too. Research says that hypnosis can improve your metabolism, appetite regulation, and even hormone levels. Also, it can help you handle cortisol production, which is linked to weight gain and abdominal obesity. This might reduce your stress levels and relax you.
Studies give a mixed response about the efficacy of hypnosis for weight loss. However, more recent research shows the potential benefits of hypnotherapy.
A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology dissected 18 studies on the use of hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioural therapy for weight loss. The results said that participants who received hypnosis lost more weight than those who did not. They maintained their good practices for a longer time, too.
Several clients have changed their lives and lost weight through hypnotherapy.
James S. had a slow metabolism and a lack of motivation for years. Then he started hypnotherapy with us. He not only improved his metabolism but also found the inner drive to develop an ongoing exercise routine and healthier eating habits. James lost over 20 kilograms and got his self-confidence back within six months.
James S., a client at MIHH, shares his journey:
“I can’t express how grateful I am to ‘Make It Happen Hypnotherapy’. From the very first session, I felt a profound shift in my mindset. The hypnotherapist at MIHH helped me uncover the underlying issues that were sabotaging my weight loss efforts.
Through their guidance, I learned to visualise my goals and reinforce positive habits. For several sessions, I experienced not just weight loss, but a total transformation in my lifestyle. I’m more active, I eat better, and I feel a sense of control and happiness that I haven’t felt in years. Thanks to MIHH, I’m not only lighter but also more energetic, confident, and fulfilled.”
Sarah L., a client at MIHH, shares her experience:
“I recommend ‘Make It Happen Hypnotherapy’ wholeheartedly. I began to notice positive changes in my eating habits and mindset from the very first session. The hypnotherapist at MIHH helped me find out the underlying issues that didn’t allow me to lose weight.
I learned to manage my cravings and became more active because of their expert guidance. I have lost weight and gained a sense of being in control after several sessions. MIHH has helped me become a healthier, more confident, and happier version of myself – and significantly lighter too.”
Choosing the right hypnotherapist is very important for a successful weight loss journey. Here are some tips to find a qualified professional:
Credentials and Training: Look for a hypnotherapist who is certified by reputable organisations such as the Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association (AHA) or the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists (ASCH). Ensure they have received formal training in hypnotherapy.
Experience: Consider the therapist’s experience, particularly for weight loss. An experienced hypnotherapist will better understand the challenges and effective strategies for developing healthy eating habits.
Client Reviews and Testimonials: Check online reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Positive feedback indicates a hypnotherapist’s success rate and client satisfaction.
First Consultation: Many hypnotherapists give a free first session. Use it to discuss your goals, ask questions, and see if the therapist’s methods aligns with your needs.
You should go for hypnosis if you want to build healthy eating habits. Hypnotherapy can help you resolve your psychological and behavioural issues that don’t let you keep a healthy weight.
We have a holistic approach to weight loss that uses hypnosis with other treatment methods. If you’re ready to explore the potential of hypnosis for weight loss, Book a FREE initial consultation and discover how hypnotherapy can help you achieve your goals.
Master Your Mind, Master Your Life
Our Hypnotherapists are dedicated to help people to harness the power of the mind and
feelings, so that we can reach our true potential and be the best version of ourselves.
Benson House, Suite 1/2 Benson St Toowong, QLD 4066
2023 Make It Happen Hypnotherapy, Registered in Queensland, Australia
Registered Address: Suite 1, 2 Benson Street, Benson House, Toowong, Brisbane, QLD, 4066 Australia
Our Clinical Hypnotherapists will guide you into a state of trance similar to daydreaming. By working with your subconscious mind, we will find out the underlying causes of your emotional suffering, and establish desired outcomes for you. To achieve this, we will use various techniques like Inner Child Therapy, Regression, Parts Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Rewind Technique, and more.
