Weight-loss hypnosis: Does it work?

Weight-loss hypnosis may help you shed an extra pound or two when it's used along with other weight-loss methods, such as diet and exercise or cognitive behavioral therapy. But it's hard to say definitively because there isn't enough solid scientific evidence about weight-loss hypnosis.

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, like being in a trance. Hypnosis is usually done with the help of a hypnotherapist using verbal repetition and mental images. When you're under hypnosis, your attention is highly focused and you're more responsive to suggestions, including behavior changes that can help you lose weight. You can learn the proper hypnosis techniques so that you can practice weight-loss hypnosis on your own, without a hypnotherapist.

Through the years, some studies have evaluated the use of weight-loss hypnosis. Most studies showed only slight weight loss, with an average loss of about 6 pounds (2.72 kilograms). But the quality of some of these studies has been questioned, making it hard to determine the true effectiveness of weight-loss hypnosis.

Weight loss is usually best achieved with diet and exercise. If you've tried diet and exercise but are still struggling to meet your weight-loss goal, talk to your health care provider about other options or lifestyle changes that you can make. Don't rely only on weight-loss hypnosis because it's unlikely to lead to significantly more weight loss.