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Losing weight with hypnosis: what it can and can't do

In short

Hypnosis isn't a weight-loss treatment. Studies on it are mostly small and methodologically mixed, and it was often combined with behavioural therapy, so how much it adds on its own can't be reliably derived.

As a relaxation technique it can still help, for example with stress eating. Just don't expect miracles.

How hypnosis is supposed to work

In a deeply relaxed state, suggestions are meant to change habits, such as reaching for sweets. With self-hypnosis you practise this yourself using guides or audio.

The real lever is usually behaviour change: spotting triggers, practising alternatives, eating more mindfully. Other well-studied methods do that too.

If you want to try it

  • Choose reputable practitioners with therapeutic qualifications
  • Be wary of guarantees and expensive packages
  • See hypnosis as an add-on, not a replacement for diet, exercise or prescribed treatment
  • With mental health conditions, check with your doctor or therapist first
  • Alternatives: progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, behavioural therapy

Note

This Journal article offers general information. It is not a diagnosis, a prescription or a promise of any result. Whether treatment is suitable for you is decided by a doctor after reviewing your questionnaire. For acute or severe symptoms, contact your GP, the out-of-hours medical service (116117) or, in an emergency, 112.

Sources and medical review

Based on the German S3 obesity guideline (behavioural therapy) and systematic reviews of hypnosis for obesity. Medical review pending.

  • German S3 guideline on prevention and treatment of obesity (behavioural therapy)
  • Milling LS, Gover MC, Moriarty CL. The effectiveness of hypnosis as an intervention for obesity: A meta-analytic review. Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice 2018