Many people want to kick their smoking habit or wish to lose weight. There are several methods to quit smoking which include “cold turkey”, a nicotine patch, medicated gum, vape smoking, etc. Smoking is definitely an addiction that is extremely difficult to kick.

As for weight loss, there are also numerous ways such as pills, high protein diets or diet shakes. Many people join a gym, fitness or yoga class to help them with weight loss. Certain methods work for some people, yet not for others. Often, there are underlying emotional reasons why people eat and are overweight which need to be addressed. Can hypnosis be added to the list of methods for getting rid of a smoking habit or to lose weight?

What do the stats say?
About one in four people are unable to be hypnotized. If a person is a firm non-believer in hypnosis, chances are it won’t work. When hypnosis is successful, the intensity of hypnosis may vary. Researchers feel that more well-conducted studies are required to determine if hypnosis can truly help smokers kick the habit for good; however the best way to quit may be to combine several techniques.

What does it feel like?
Therapeutic hypnosis is similar to a therapy session. The patient should be well-informed and comfortable. Often people are worried about being tricked into doing something strange or embarrassing; however, if you really don’t want to do something, you won’t. Basically hypnosis is comparable to focused attention, like when you zone out while a friend shares each and every detail of their vacation. It is learning to focus inward attention in a helpful way.

Who should try hypnosis?
Hypnosis is for anyone looking for a gentle way to lose weight and make healthy eating a habit. It’s not for anyone interested in a quick fix. Hypnosis is a tool to help you succeed with eating nutritious food and exercising and can help people identify food triggers and disarm them. Hypnosis should not be thought of as a “diet”, but as part of an overall plan to lose weight. Hypnosis can work because it changes peoples’ way of thinking about food and eating. Instead of eating food as an emotional solution, it becomes an appropriate solution to hunger. People are able to separate food and eating apart from their emotional life.

There are also audio programs produced by quality hypnotists that may be used in the privacy of one’s own home to lose weight or quit smoking, but beware of all the new apps in online marketing (ensure the program is certified).

Pros and Cons of Hypnosis
Hypnosis is not invasive and works well with other weight loss treatments or smoking cessation treatments. It does not require pills, powders or supplements. The downside is the cost, which could range from $100 to $200 per hour. If someone needs to see a therapist once a week, this can add up quickly. Most insurance companies do not cover hypnosis, but it may be covered if it is part of a larger health plan.

The meditation aspect of hypnosis can reduce stress and increase mindfulness, which can help with both weight loss and cessation of smoking.