The Theory Behind Weight Loss Hypnosis

There’s a common understanding that eating healthy and doing exercise can do wonders for our weight loss. Yet, after an intense three or five days of munching on veggies and sweating hard, we go back to square one. Why?

Habits are unconscious processes that can be hard to build and even though we know what we should be doing to lose weight, it is just too hard for our brain to actually make us act on it. This is where hypnosis can be so useful. Under hypnosis, your attention is highly focused, and you’re more responsive to suggestions, including behavior changes that can help you lose weight.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is an intense state of focus that feels VERY good and help access those unconscious processes. With hypnosis you can make dramatic change at a very deep level so that habits and motivational changes are automatic. When you actually experience hypnosis, you’re not unconscious. It’s more like a deep state of focused relaxation.

“It’s simply the natural, floaty feeling you get before you drift off to sleep, or that dreamy sensation you feel as you wake up in the morning, before you’re fully aware of where you are and what is surrounding you,” explains New Hampshire Hypnosis’s David Barron.

How will it help in weight loss?

Some practictioners will say hypnosis addresses the cause directly at the subconscious level in the person’s mind, where their memories, habits, fears, food associations, negative self-talk, and self-esteem germinate. Even better Hypnosis builds feelings and motivations that make you WANT to eat healthy. No other weight loss method addresses the core issues at the root like hypnosis does.

For changing habits, thought patterns, and behavior, hypnosis is one of the most effective methods. Getting stuck in harmful habits—like eating the entire bag of potato chips instead of stopping when you’re full—is a sign of a subconscious problem.

Does it work?

Early studies from the 90s found that people who used hypnosis lost more than twice as much weight as those who dieted without the cognitive therapy. A 2014 study worked with 60 obese women, and found that those who practiced hypnobehavioral therapy lost weight and improved their eating habits and body image. And a small 2017 study worked with eight obese adults and three children, all of whom successfully lost weight.

A recent study, which only showed modest weight loss results, did find that patients receiving hypnosis had lower rates of inflammation, better satiety and better quality of life. These might be mechanisms whereby hypnosis could influence weight. The way to reduce weight is to reprogram the subconscious mind with all the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and the prospect of a long life.

How is it practiced?

Hypnosis is a specialized skill where you are given direct instructions by your hypnotist. Your responcibility is to follow the instructions and, as a benefit, you get the results. For someone wanting to lose weight, cravings, urges and behaviours change, often without effort.

Dramatice results can happen often in one session but several sessions insure the changes are most deeply ingrained. At New Hampshire Hypnosis, once a program is completed, if additional sessions are needed there is no added cost. “No one pays for hypnosis. They are paying for a result” says New Hampshire Hypnosis founder, David Barron.

Justina Raymond
I was recommended to David at New Hampshire Hypnosis from a friend who worked over Skype to quit smoking. She had great results and thought he might help me with anxiety and weight loss. My food cravings and anxiety have always been linked. During the first hypnosis session he managed to skillfully address both issues.
Since my last session people are noticing a very positive change in my attitude. The craving for sweets is gone. Without trying I lost 4 lbs the first week. David is a wonderfully skilled and compassionate hypnotist. I don’t know exactly how it all works but the results have been very dramatic. Thank you, David, for helping me get my life on track.

The Theory Behind Weight Loss Hypnosis