Hypnosis is an altered state of mind induced by a hypnotist’s verbal or other form of stimuli. Hypnosis can allow a person to be guided by the hypnotist in order to respond to suggestions including subjective experiences, perception, sensation, emotion, or behavior. This form of behavioral alterations might help a person to lose weight, by shifting his/her focus towards a healthier diet. However, the effectiveness of hypnosis used alone to facilitate weight loss is still in question.

Because a hypnotized state allows a person to be more relaxed and calm, more attentive, and open to suggestions for changes in behavior, it can be used to make a person take control over his/her desires. These desires may include unhealthy eating habits that hypnosis can change into better ones. Hypnosis does work, but works best when combined with various weight loss programs. Hypnosis combined with behavioral weight loss program is effective for small amounts of weight loss, whereas, studies show that a self-management program combined with hypnosis results in slightly larger amount of weight loss.

It should be taken into consideration that weight loss with hypnosis is a time-consuming method, as it assists the long-term control of the subject over his/her habits. But the most important aspect to consider is that a legitimate hypnotherapist should conduct the sessions to ensure the best and the most reliable treatment.