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Weight Loss Research

As of December, 2004 there were more than 5,000 clinical research studies having to do with hypnosis and its benefits currently being conducted worldwide according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1996) Research into cognitive-behavioral weight loss treatments established that weight loss is greater where hypnosis is utilized. It was also established that the benefits of hypnosis increase over time.

Kirsch, Irving (1996). Hypnotic enhancement of cognitive-behavioral weight loss treatments--Another meta-reanalysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64 (3), 517-519. Study of the effect of adding hypnosis to cognitive- behavioral treatments for weight reduction, additional data were obtained from authors of 2 studies. Averaged across post treatment and follow-up assessment periods, the mean weight loss was 6.00 lbs. without hypnosis and 11.83 lbs. with hypnosis. At the last assessment period, the mean weight loss was 6.03 lbs. without hypnosis and 14.88 lbs. with hypnosis. Analyses indicated that the benefits of hypnosis increased substantially over time.

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1986) A study of 60 females who were at least 20% overweight and not involved in other treatment showed hypnosis is an effective way to lose weight.

Cochrane, Gordon; Friesen, J. (1986). Hypnotherapy in weight loss treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 489-492.

Investigated the effects of hypnosis in weight loss for 60 females, at least 20% overweight and not involved in other treatment. Six client variables (suggestibility, self-concept, quality of family origin, age of obesity onset, education level, and socioeconomic status) and a process variable of representational systems were analyzed in relation to weight loss. Treatment included group hypnosis with metaphors for ego- strengthening, decision making and motivation, ideomotor exploration in individual hypnosis, and group hypnosis with maintenance suggestions. There were two experimental groups (hypnosis with and without audiotapes) and a control group, assessed immediately after treatment and at 6-month follow-up. Hypnotisability, use of audiotapes, and the other five variables were not predictive of weight loss. But, hypnosis was more effective than a control group (17 vs. .5 pounds on follow-up).

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (1985) 109 people completed a behavioral treatment for weight management either with or without the addition of hypnosis. At the end of the 9-week program, both interventions resulted in significant weight reduction. At 8-month and 2-year follow-ups, the hypnosis subjects were found to have continued to lose significant weight, while those in the behavioral-treatment-only group showed little further change.

More research and papers are listed at www.hypnosis-research.org

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