Studies show that hypnosis can help increase motivation among dieters which will, in turn, increase the number of pounds lost and sustain weight loss over a longer period of time. For example, Kirsch (1996) concluded that individuals using hypnosis lost twice as much weight as those who did not. Similarly, Cochrane and Gordon (1986) found that individuals using hypnosis lost, on average, 17 pounds while those who did not lost an average of only 1/2 a pound!

In addition, a two year study by Bolocofsky et. al. (1985) found that people who use hypnosis, in conjunction with behavioral therapy, tended to continue to lose significant weight two years after the end of therapy while individuals who did not use hypnosis tended to have little change in their weight over time.

In a classic study, Watkins (1976) reported a 78% success rate with 67% of her clients abstinent six months after treatment. More recently, Elkins and Rajab (2004) examined the results of a hypnosis smoking cessation program: they found that 81% of the clients stopped smoking after three sessions. Upon follow-up one year later, 48% of these clients were still non-smokers and 95% of the clients reported satisfaction with their hypnosis experience.

Bolocofsky, David N.and Spinler, Dwayne; Coulthard-Morris, Linda (1985).Effectiveness of hypnosis as an adjunct to behavioral weight management. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 41 (1), 35-41.

Cochrane, Gordon and Friesen, J. (1986). Hypnotherapy in weight loss treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 489-492.

Elkins, G.R., and Rajab, M.H. (2004, Jan.). Clinical hypnosis for smoking cessation: preliminary results of a three-session intervention.  Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2004 Jan;52(1):73-81.

Kirsch, Irving (1996). Hypnotic enhancement of cognitive-behavioral weight loss treatments–Another meta-reanalysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64 (3), 517-519.

Watkins, H.H. (1976, Oct.). Hypnosis and smoking: a five-session approach. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 24(4):381-90.