Trance-form Your Weight Loss Journey
We’ve all been there: we start a new diet or fitness plan, its going well for a bit then old mate self sabotager comes knocking and we throw in the towel claiming "let's start again Monday", so many Mondays roll past and by the end of the year we decide yano what - "Next year I'll do it".
Why is it that we all know the gist of weight loss but we can never quite keep it together long enough to either achieve our goal or maintain it?
I'll let you in on a little secret..it isn't just the plan you are following that is to blame for the continuous cycle of diets. It is the way your mind is programmed.
Let’s talk about your brain. It’s an amazing organ, capable of incredible feats of intelligence and creativity. But it also has a lazy side—a part that loves routines and habits, even the bad ones. Enter hypnotherapy, the brain’s personal trainer, here to give your brain the update it has been waiting for.
Sounds a bit like magic, right? Well, it's more science than sorcery, and I’m here to break it down for you.
What Exactly Is Hypnotherapy?
Let’s clear the air—hypnotherapy isn’t about waving a pocket watch in front of your face until you start clucking like a chicken. (Sorry to disappoint, but that’s just for the movies.)
Hypnotherapy is a guided process that uses relaxation and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness, often referred to as a trance. In this state, your mind is more open to suggestions—especially the kind that can help you break unhealthy habits, like emotional eating and the "I'll start Monday-itis".
The Science Behind Hypnotherapy for Weight Loss
For all those who prefer facts I've got you covered. You might be thinking, “Does this actually work, or is it just a bunch of woo-woo?”
Great question.
Hypnotherapy works by reinforcing positive behaviors and breaking the cycle of mindless munching. Imagine your inner voice—usually the one saying, “Just one more bite won’t hurt”—getting a makeover. Now, it’s more like a supportive life coach who says, “Check in with your hunger scale, honey. You’ve got goals!”.
Hypnotherapy isn't just about planting suggestions in your brain; it's about reprogramming the habits that contribute to weight gain. A 2018 review in The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis found that hypnotherapy can be particularly effective in helping people develop more positive eating patterns. It's not that you suddenly love lettuce and hate burgers, it's that you crave what your body truly needs to feel nourished and you know your body well enough to stop eating once it is full.
Stress is a sneaky saboteur when it comes to weight loss. When you're stressed, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can increase appetite and lead to weight gain, particularly around your midsection. Whoever says it isn't about calories in vs out and just blames it on the hormones needs a giant kick up the a**. That statement is so disempowering it isn't funny.
Hormones matter yes! But it is because an increase in stress hormones makes you hungrier and more likely to lean into the cookie jar than the salad bar and munch them all until you feel sick.
Hypnotherapy helps reduce stress by guiding you into a relaxed state, which in turn can lower cortisol levels. In this state we can tame our inner cookie monster without needing to swear off sweets forever. Think of it as the zen garden for your mind—minus the sand raking. Cause that would just be weird.
Here’s the kicker: a 2005 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that people who used hypnotherapy lost more weight and kept it off longer than those who didn’t. The hypnotherapy group also had a better body image and more control over their eating behaviours.
The Lighter Side of Hypnotherapy
The best part about hypnotherapy? It’s not about deprivation. You’re not forcing yourself to say no to things you love; you’re just retraining your brain to say “no thanks” more often. Think of it as mind magic—no smoke, no mirrors, just a little subconscious reprogramming.
And the process itself? It’s surprisingly enjoyable. Instead of white-knuckling through cravings, you’re relaxing in a comfy chair while your subconscious gets a pep talk. It’s like a motivational TED talk for your mind, except you’re lying down, and there’s no need to take notes.
And the best part? You’re fully in control the whole time. No embarrassing confessions or sudden urges to quack like a duck. Just you, your thoughts, and a little nudge from your subconscious to make healthier choices.
So, Should You Try It?
Hypnotherapy isn’t a magic wand that will instantly melt away the kgs, but it can be a powerful tool in your weight loss tool box. By helping you change the way you think about food and stress, hypnotherapy can support long-term, sustainable weight loss. Plus, it’s a lot more fun than cutting out carbs.
So, the next time you find yourself reaching for that extra cookie, maybe consider reaching for hypnotherapy first. Your waistline might just thank you for it.
Thanks for reading,
Cat x