Hypnotizability, eating behaviors, attitudes, and concerns: a literature survey

Hutchinson-Phillips, S., K. Gow, et al. (2007). “Hypnotizability, eating behaviors, attitudes, and concerns: a literature survey.” Int J Clin Exp Hypn 55(1): 84-113.

The literature suggests that aspects of hypnotizability may be involved in the etiology and maintenance of self-defeating eating. However, interpretation of the published research findings has been complicated by the use of instruments that appear to have measured different or, at best, only related facets of the underlying constructs. This article reports relationships between weight, shape, dietary concerns, hypnotizability, dissociative capacity, and fantasy proneness. Implications for a key role for hypnosis in the treatment of eating behaviors, attitudes, and concerns are discussed.

Hypnosis and weight reduction: which is the cart and which is the horse

Cochrane, G. (1992). “Hypnosis and weight reduction: which is the cart and which is the horse?” Am J Clin Hypn 35(2): 109-118.

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.

Effectiveness of hypnosis as an adjunct to behavioral weight management



Bolocofsky, D. N., D. Spinler, et al. (1985). “Effectiveness of hypnosis as an adjunct to behavioral weight management.” Journal of Clinical Psychology 41(1): 35-41.

Abstract 10.1002/1097-4679(198501)41:1<35::AID-JCLP2270410107>3.3.CO;2-Q This study examined the effect of adding hypnosis to a behavioral weight-management program on short- and long-term weight change. One hundred nine subjects, who ranged in age from 17 to 67, completed a behavioral treatment either with or without the addition of hypnosis. At the end of the 9-week program, both interventions resulted in significant weight reduction. However, at the 8-month and 2-year follow-ups, the hypnosis clients showed significant additional weight loss, while those in the behavioral treatment exhibited little further change. More of the subjects who used hypnosis also achieved and maintained their personal weight goals. The utility of employing hypnosis as an adjunct to a behavioral weight-management program is discussed.