Hypnosis and Weight Reduction: Which is the Cart and Which is the Horse?

Abstract

Hypnosis has often been described as a useful adjunctive treatment for excess weight. However, the literature shows that very few controlled studies have been conducted in this realm, and none have incorporated the key variables of either the hypnosis components or the weight-reduction components. In this paper I offer a brief review of the literature on hypnosis for weight reduction, present weight-reduction outcome data, outline variables common to people with chronic weight problems, and I offer suggestions for future uses of hypnosis within a comprehensive approach to weight reduction rather than as the primary treatment. Suggestions are also made concerning the multiple opportunities for future research using hypnosis in the substance-abuse field.