Hypnotherapy & Weight Management

Introduction:

The world has seen fad diets, calorie counting, intense workout routines, gastric banding, gastrectomy surgery and more recently injections (GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists) offered as weight loss solutions. As most people know these various methods, if followed strictly, can all produce results but with varying long term success. The familiar yo-yo of loss and gain is experienced by a vast number of those embarking on one of these regimes. Getting the weight off is only half the problem, keeping it off requires a much more holistic approach and these days there's a growing recognition of the significant role that the mind plays in achieving and, more importantly, maintaining a healthy weight.

Understanding the Mind-Body Connection, Emotions and Eating habits (1):

Before delving into the specifics of hypnotherapy, it's crucial to acknowledge the intricate relationship between the mind and body. How we think and feel about ourselves has a profound influence on the

outcomes of any embarked upon program of change but more specifically emotional and psychological factors often influence eating habits, cravings, and overall lifestyle choices, creating a complex web of connections that are not always addressed in a specific or sustained way during a weight-loss program.

Stress eating or comfort eating is a reaction known to nearly all of us, when we are at a low point the impulse to seek pleasure through eating is very common, many people turn to food as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. The subject is a complex one involving the reward/pleasure mechanism, memory, learned behaviours and physiological factors as well. An example of how our understanding is expanding is research being conducted into the role of the gut microbiome on our ability to sense satiety and on cravings. (The gut/brain axis connection via the vagal nerve is known in relation to IBS but it’s relevance stretches much farther.)

One of the key benefits of hypnotherapy in weight management is its ability to address eating patterns through the conscious and subconscious exploration and identification of emotional triggers. It helps individuals identify and reframe these emotional triggers, creating healthier coping mechanisms, changing behaviours and reducing the reliance on food as a source of comfort.

Changing Negative Thought Patterns:

Negative self-perception and limiting beliefs (whatever their origin) can sabotage weight loss efforts. Hypnotherapy works to reshape these thought patterns, instilling a positive mindset and reinforcing a belief in one's ability to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. By targeting the subconscious mind hypnotherapy, subtly but powerfully, helps build confidence and resilience against self-sabotaging thoughts.

Creating Lasting Behavioural Changes:

Hypnotherapy aims to create lasting behavioural changes by rewiring the subconscious mind, encouraging healthier habits, and promoting mindful eating. Whatever the chosen weight loss program is using hypnotherapy as part of an holistic approach increases the likelihood of sustained weight management success. No more yo-yo!

The Research Behind Hypnotherapy and Weight Loss:

Research suggests that hypnotherapy can have measurable effects on weight loss. Studies have shown that individuals who incorporate hypnotherapy into their weight management journey often experience more significant and lasting results compared to those who solely rely on conventional methods (2,3).

Why hypnotherapy is especially relevant when stopping GLP-1 / obesity medications

Many people have used GLP-1 receptor agonists or newer dual agonists (e.g. tirzepatide) with excellent results. But as several trials and reviews show, stopping these medications often leads to substantial weight regain (4). This happens because these drugs mimic hormones that our bodies naturally produce when we eat and they send signals to indicate fullness thus stopping cravings and over eating. So when the drug is withdrawn our bodies return to their original state UNLESS new strategies and behaviours have been put in place during the weight-loss phase.

This is where hypnotherapy is such a powerful brain-rewiring tool, helping to create new reactions which can help prevent that weight regain.

For example:

1. Hypnotherapy sessions during the time on the drug: The weight loss period is the time where positive reinforcement is highly effective as limiting beliefs, triggers and behaviours are explored and new ones discovered and put in place.

2. During the tapering/transition phase: Additional support and consolidation is especially helpful as the body adjusts to less of the drug. New strategies for the future can be reinforced in response to whatever concerns and worries emerge at this point.

3. Withdrawal phase: this is all about maintenance and increasing confidence around self-management. Self-hypnosis and audio recordings are particularly useful at this stage.

Conclusion:

Weight loss and management is about health and being healthy. In the first instance making the choice to embark on a program is easy but it can be fraught with obstacles along the way, hypnotherapy allows you to tap into the mine of resources that is your subconscious mind offering the way for sustained, long-term success.

Evidence shows using hypnotherapy is a powerful ally in any weight loss program - especially when tackling the mental and behavioural roots of overeating.

As we continue to explore the mind-body connection, hypnotherapy emerges as a valuable tool in the quest for a healthier, happier, balanced life.

References

1. The Role of Emotion in Eating Behaviour and Decisions; Oh-Ryeong Ha and Seung-Lark Lim: Frontiers in Psychology 7th Dec 2023

2. Hypnosis Reduces Food Impulsivity In Patients With Obesity And high Levels Of Disinhibition: HYPNODIET; Fabienne Delestre, Guillaume Lehéricey, Candice Estellat, et al: The American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 115 Issue 6 June 2022.

3. Controlled trial of hypnotherapy for weight loss in patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea; J Stradling, D Roberts, A Wilson, F Lovelock: International Journal Of Obesity  20 April 1998.

4. Trajectory of the Body Weight after Drug Discontinuation in the Treatment of Anti-Obesity Medication; Wu et al BMC Medicine (2025) 23:398.