Obesity has become such a real issue in America with 34% of the population overweight that any solution should be considered. Weight loss hypnosis is one method that doesn't involve drugs, and using hypnosis for weight loss has been shown to work for many people. While hypnosis has often been considered more of a form of entertainment in the past, now it is becoming more common and acceptable as a tool for helping with the adoption of healthier habits or even controlling pain.

When considering weight loss hypnosis it's wise to realize that even valid methods can be extreme and unethical. There is no miracle cure for being overweight. The best weight loss plans still require a comprehensive program which includes nutrition counseling, a well-developed diet plan, and a daily exercise routine. In addition the diet might include medications or diet supplements and behavioral support, such as hypnosis.

It may help to understand what hypnosis is and how it works to understand its role in weight control. While weight loss hypnosis is relatively recent, hypnosis has been used since at least around 1770 and its use by Franz Mesmer but more likely goes back to ancient times. "Sleep" healing and magnetic healing such as Paracelsus used probably worked mostly by hypnotic suggestion rather than any action of the stones that were waved over the body, or chants and incantations. Chanting and rituals may actually have been ways to induce hypnotic trances.

The "trance state" was originally called the "mesmeric trance" after Mesmer which means "animal magnetism". The trance state is the middle ground between being awake and sleeping in a state of suggestibility. It was not until 1843 that Scottish surgeon, Dr. James Braid gave it the name of hypnotism. He used objects to induce hypnosis in his patients, including shiny objects and things that require the patients' attention to be focused. Often times a pocket watch was used to induce hypnosis. In 1958, the AMA certified the clinical benefit of hypnosis in several applications.

There are several ways weight loss hypnosis may assist dieters in achieving their goals. First, hypnosis can directly strengthen the patient's desire to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle. Appetite suppression can also be improved via hypnosis, and cravings can be controlled through the suggestions of negative associations given to fattening foods. When used together with a sensible diet and regular exercise, weight loss hypnosis can be a helpful factor in a patient's success.

While hypnosis can help with weight loss, never believe a hypnotist who tells you he can hypnotize you to have extraordinary weight loss and cure your tendency towards obesity in just one easy session. You should also avoid downloads, videos or books that supposedly teach you to hypnotize yourself. Before committing yourself to any hypnotism program, do your homework and talk with your physician. Then consider a certified hypnotherapist who has a good track record of success using ongoing treatments and reinforcement.