𝐈𝐬 𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭?

Obesity and overweight problems are a serious global health issue, and despite many efforts, the prevalence has continued to rise for years.

Hypnotherapy has been gaining recognition as an effective treatment for obesity and overweight problems as scientific research have shown its effectiveness for weight reduction. A total of 539 respondents (82.7% women and 17.3% men) between the ages of 17 and 67 years were represented in the seven studies. Many studies incorporated lifestyle changes, such as changes in dietary habits and behavioral recommendations in the hypnotic procedure. Their results suggested that hypnotherapy promoted weight reduction during the treatment period and after the treatments ended. In some cases, up to 30 pounds were lost during follow-up periods. In addition, one study even showed increased physical activity among hypnotized individuals. Using hypnotherapy also improved respondents’ eating behavior and quality of life.

Overweight and metabolic disorders characterize obesity due to body fat accumulation accompanied by a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 25 or 30 kg/m2; these disorders are becoming major worldwide health problems. The prevalence of obesity and overweight has increased worldwide, especially in developed countries. In 2016, 39% of adults aged 18 years and older were overweight, and more than 650 million were obese [1]. These conditions have been linked to an increased risk for non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and psychosocial illnesses, like eating disorders, depression, and low self-esteem [2], [3]. Overweight and obesity are also linked with decreased quality of life [4] and increased morbidity and mortality. Consequently, these health problems have resulted in a growing economic burden on healthcare systems, mainly due to the hospitalizations and drug prescriptions for obesity-related conditions.

Various strategies have been implemented to combat obesity and overweight conditions, primarily by reducing energy intake and increasing physical activity. However, these conventional weight loss programs have often proven ineffective for long-term maintenance, and almost 70% of participants regain at least half of their lost weight after the intervention. In addition, it has been found that excessive dietary interventions could even lead to physical and mental health disorders, including eating disorders, body dissatisfaction, and suicide. Nonetheless, the notoriously poor compliance with common strategies has increased the demand for effective, safe, and acceptable therapeutic options.

Among many interventions, hypnotherapy has gained increasing attention as an emerging complementary and alternative therapy. Hypnotherapy, or hypnosis, refers to “a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity to respond to the suggestions. During a hypnotic session, an individual would be given suggestions to encourage changes in their behavior or relieve symptoms, for example, to achieve a healthy weight and maintain it. Hypnosis also could be considered a mindfulness therapy, as it helps to increase the ability to control emotional impulses, such as controlling acute and chronic pain, support during labor, and smoking cessation.