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Kirsch Irving, University of Connecticut An analysis of five weight loss studies showed that hypnosis can more than double the effects of traditional weight loss approaches. Source: Hypnotic enhancement of cognitive-behavioral weight loss treatment. Another meta-reanalysis, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology,1996, Vol. 64, No. 3, 517-519. Greaves, Evelyn, Tidy, G., & Christie, R.A.S. Greaves, Tidy & Christie studied 8 females with ages 24-60. They were clinically obese. Each woman was put on a diet before using hypnotherapy treatment. Hypnotherapy lasted for a maximum of 20 sessions. The results immediately after treatment were that there was a 3-17% reduction in body mass index (BMI). The follow up was conducted 2 years after the study ended. 6 of the 8 participants had maintained their reduced weight. Source: Hypnotherapy as an adjunct to the dietetic management of obese patients. Nutrition and Food Science, 1995, Vol. 95 (6), 15. Cochrane, Gordon & Friesen, John Cochrane & Friesen investigated the effects of hypnotherapy for weight loss. The study comprised of 60 women between the ages of 20-65 who were at least 20% overweight. They were randomly assigned into either one of the two experimental groups (hypnosis + audiotapes or hypnosis alone) or the control group. Participants in both experimental groups met with a hypnotherapist a total of 24 hours over a period of 4 weeks. The control group did not receive any hypnotherapy. Those in the hypnosis+ audiotapes group were told to listen to the tapes daily. The results showed that hypnosis was an effective treatment for weight loss. Participants in the hypnosis+ audiotapes lost an average of 17.82lbs; hypnosis alone group lost an average of 17.12; and the control group only lost an average of half a pound. This study, hence, provides support for the use of hypnotherapy as a treatment for weight loss. Source: Hypnotherapy in weight loss treatments, Journal of Consulting an Clinical Psychology, 1986, Vol. 54, No. 4, 489-492.