Therapy and Coaching for Lasting Change

Here are references to some research findings into the effectiveness of hypnosis for weight loss.

1. A study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 1986, followed 60 women who were at least 20 percent overweight. Divided into two groups, the first used hypnosis as their treatment mode for weight loss. The second group did not. A six month follow-up revealed that the first group lost, on average, 17 pounds, as compared to an average loss of one half pound by the control group.

2. Most research studies indicate that hypnosis for weight loss is most effective when it is combined with a program of behaviour modification. According to a paper authored by Lauren Gudritz and reproduced by the Department of Psychology at Vanderbilt University, in 1994, researchers J. Vanderlinden and W. Vanderreychen evaluated three controlled, comparative surveys and concluded that “a combination of behaviour therapy and hypnotherapy appeared to produce more weight reduction than a mere behaviour therapeutic approach. Three follow-up studies by the same researchers also indicated that participants were able to maintain their weight loss when checked after three months, six months, and two years later.

3. In the same article Gudritz wrote, Hypnosis has been shown to help reduce stress and to make people feel better about themselves, and the two things are important components of weight loss. Cochrane says, “Self-worth, self-esteem, and self-confidence are learned and therefore hypnosis may have a control role to play in helping overweight people strength their beliefs in their ability to control events.

4. Research headed by Dr. Jeffery Rossman, PhD, concerned the weight loss results of women who used visualization CDs versus those who did not. It was reported that in only 10 weeks, the group that used CDs lost two times more weight than those who were just dieting.

5. A study conducted at the Esalen Institute in California validated the successful outcomes that result from programs that teach participants to use mental exercises and imagination to reshape their bodies and their increased ability to eat less and reduce the intake of fattening foods.

6. Other studies:

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Volume 64 (3), pgs. 517-519. Participants receiving hypnosis lost an average of 12 pounds, while those who didn’t lose six pounds.

Journal of Clinical Psychology, Volume 41 (10), pgs 35-41
All study participants, ages 17-67, underwent behaviour modification therapy for weight management. A sub-group received hypnosis as well. While all the participants experienced significant weight loss, the results of 8 month and 2 year follow-ups indicated that the sub-group had a significant additional weight loss. The same study also concluded that subjects who used hypnosis were more likely to achieve and maintain their weight goals.

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