Written by Controlling your weight and avoiding weight gain as you age is an efficient way to prevent many weight-related health problems. In fact, if you weigh 20 kilograms above your ideal weight, you are at a higher risk of getting life-threatening diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer of the endometrium, sleep disorders and breast cancer.
Many overweight people tend to avoid exercise, and this avoidance only adds to the weight of extra pounds. If you live a sedentary life and are overweight, you are at a high risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic health problems. But, if you already have a medical condition like elevated cholesterol, being overweight puts you at a higher risk of complications. Your health can be improved by losing weight. As little as 10% reduction in body weight can reduce high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, triglycerides, and hyperglycaemia. Today, there are many methods that can help people lose weight effectively. One of such methods is hypnosis.
Weight loss through hypnosis, also known as hypnotherapy, is a type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that uses hypnosis to try to help people lose weight. During a hypnotherapy session, a licensed therapist will guide the person into a relaxed state of consciousness. They will then use suggestions and visualizations to try to help the person make changes to their eating habits and behaviour.
One of the most popular weight loss methods is hypnosis. However, many misconceptions have arisen about using hypnosis for weight loss. And because it does not involve drugs or any kind of medicine or surgery, many people think that losing weight through hypnosis may not be effective or sustainable. To learn more about hypnosis and its effects on weight loss, here is a list of some facts that will give you insight into what it can do to your weight.
- Hypnosis can be very dangerous if not done properly and not used by people who have a good idea of hypnosis.
Although many people think that hypnosis will not pose any risk to their health, it is still important to ensure that the person who will carry out the procedure is well qualified and knows the things to keep in mind while performing the procedure.
- Hypnosis alone cannot remove excess fat from the body and make a person lose weight. Most health professionals argue that hypnosis should only be part of a holistic approach. It should not be used as the “only” weight loss method. Otherwise, hypnosis sessions will have only a small effect on a person’s weight. When it comes to weight loss, hypnosis combined with psychotherapy will be more effective than hypnosis alone. In fact, hypnosis is simply a state of deep relaxation of the mind, in which a person can always control his own body.
- Hypnosis is a way to enter a person’s subliminal state. When a person is in the “hypnotic stage”, the body is more susceptible to ideas due to its heightened state of concentration. However, this does not mean that through hypnosis one can “change” one’s mind.
Hypnotherapy for weight loss: advantages and disadvantages
As with any medical treatment, there are pros and cons to take into account before making a decision. Some factors to consider when considering hypnotherapy for weight loss include safety, scientific evidence, cost, treatment time, consistency of results, and standards of hypnotherapy procedures.
Advantages of hypnosis for weight loss include:
Safety: Hypnosis is a harmless form of treatment. In addition, the patient is always aware of his experience and does not have to do anything against his will. A 2016 review of five meta-analyses concluded that hypnotherapy is safe and effective for treating many disorders.
Side effects: Hypnotherapy for weight loss is natural. It does not rely on medical treatment or surgery. Therefore, there are no side effects like those that can occur with over-the-counter and prescription foods.
Duration of treatment: Since hypnotherapy is a solution-based treatment, the duration of treatment is short. Most people see noticeable results after one or two treatments, and most weight loss programs last longer than 4-6 sessions.
Cost: Compared to other treatments such as prescription diet programs and bariatric surgery, hypnosis is inexpensive. An individual session with a professional hypnotist can range from $100 to $300 depending on the hypnotist’s city and state. On the other hand, a monthly meal plan can cost up to $500 or more per month, while elective medical procedures like colon surgery can be very expensive.
The disadvantages of hypnosis for weight loss include:
Different results: Since hypnotherapy is a treatment that depends on the person, not everyone will get the same results. Although individualized sessions can be beneficial for many people, it means that sometimes the treatment will be more or less effective. Therefore, a person may need more than one hypnotherapist if they are not happy with the initial results.
Standards: There is no single standard that governs the practice of hypnotherapy. Therefore, the services and treatments provided by hypnotherapists may vary. However, many practitioners adhere to the same ethical and professional standards. Make sure the hypnotherapist belongs to a reputable professional organization such as the National Guild of Hypnotists.
Evidence: Although there is empirical data that shows hypnosis for weight loss is effective, some scientists say that more research is needed. Therefore, it may not be the best solution for those who are comfortable with treatment supported by strong scientific data.
No Insurance cover: Many insurance companies do not cover hypnosis therapy, which can result in out-of-pocket expenses. Check with your insurance company before engaging in hypnotherapy as a treatment for nicotine addiction.
In summary, some people may find hypnotherapy helpful for weight loss, but it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. In addition, hypnotherapy should not be used as a replacement for proven weight loss strategies such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.
