Obesity and Hypnosis: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Hypnosis has been reported as a treatment for obesity for many years but there have been no reviews of this literature. In this review all of the journal articles found are summarized briefly but because of lack of comparable information no attempt is made to critically compare the methods used. Most of the reports are anecdotal and very few report detailed results or follow-up. It is concluded that although there is evidence that hypnosis may have a role in the treatment of obesity, well-designed research studies are needed to establish the extent of its usefulness and the most effective methods of using hypnosis in the treatment of the different types of obesity.