An NHS hospital is considering using hypnosis to help severely obese children curb their overeating habits.
Renowned hypnotist Paul McKenna has advocated for the NHS to implement hypnotherapy for millions of children and adults in the fight against obesity in Britain. A recent case study revealed that the NHS Complications of Excess Weight (CEW) Service effectively utilized hypnosis to assist a 13-year-old boy struggling with severe obesity.
Matthew Selman, a senior clinical psychologist at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, noted that despite trying various methods, the boy’s weight continued to rise. Selman expressed optimism about the positive impact of hypnosis, emphasizing that while it may not be suitable for everyone, significant transformations can occur in those it resonates with.
In addition to the successful case, two other patients were offered hypnosis alongside traditional care without favorable results. Selman intends to explore the effectiveness of hypnosis further with more young individuals to identify those who could benefit.
Paul McKenna highlighted the growing recognition among medical professionals of alternative strategies to address overeating issues. He emphasized the potential of hypnotherapy for weight loss, citing instances where individuals experienced a shift in mindset leading to reduced food cravings, increased motivation for exercise, and enhanced awareness of dietary choices.
Clinical hypnosis involves a therapist inducing a state of heightened suggestibility in a patient and introducing suggestions to facilitate behavioral changes. While hypnosis is commonly used for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and chronic pain, its utilization for weight loss is less prevalent within the NHS.
The 13-year-old boy underwent three 50-minute hypnosis sessions aimed at helping him develop healthier eating habits and resist impulsive snacking behaviors. He continued practicing self-hypnosis for four months, resulting in a decrease in body fat percentage and improvement in anxiety levels.
Approximately 16 million adults in the UK are affected by obesity, with an additional 23 million classified as overweight. Recent data from Europe’s leading obesity conference revealed that since their launch in 2021, over 6,500 children have received treatment at NHS CEWs for severe obesity, including over 400 who were prescribed weight loss injections.
Paul McKenna introduced the Hypnotic Gastric Band technique, which has gained popularity worldwide. This method guides individuals through imagining their stomach shrinking from the size of a football to that of a tennis ball, aiming to modify eating behaviors. While not universally effective, the technique has shown positive results for a majority of individuals.
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