Weight-loss hypnosis: Does it work?

How effective is hypnosis for weight loss?

- Mike / Iowa

Answer

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, usually achieved with the help of a hypnotherapist. When you're under hypnosis, your attention is highly focused and you're more responsive to suggestions, including behavior changes that can help you lose weight. Over the years, numerous studies have evaluated weight-loss hypnosis. Most found positive, but modest, results. The methodology of some studies has been questioned, so it's difficult to determine the exact usefulness of hypnosis. If your goal is weight loss, hypnosis isn't a magical cure, but it may help, especially when combined with exercise and a healthy diet. Since hypnosis is generally safe and relatively inexpensive, it's an integrative medicine approach that might be worth a try, even though there are no guaranteed results. Just do your homework. Find a therapist with adequate training and a good reputation.

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