On its own, no. But studies show that combined with diet and exercise, hypnotherapy could double your weight loss. Take Cheryl Secrist, 35. She turned to hypnotherapy when her weight loss stalled. "It didn't eliminate temptations like hot-fudge brownie sundaes, but it did make me pause. Often I realized that what I was really craving was rest," says the career counselor from Warrenton, VA, who lost a total of 50 pounds with the help of seven sessions.
Although no one's exactly sure how hypnosis works, medical imaging techniques show changes in the brain that indicate a relaxed state. "When you're calm, it's easier to learn things," says Marc Oster, PsyD, a psychologist and past president of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Therefore, you're more receptive to suggestions like waiting 10 minutes before giving in to a craving. And self-hypnosis techniques, such as visualization, help reinforce your goals so you're more likely to stick with them. Hypnosis works best for those who have a strong desire to change their habits.
Therapists who use hypnosis employ a variety of techniques, but rarely a swinging pocket watch. During a typical session, you may be asked to close your eyes and focus on breathing or imagine yourself floating. Hypnotherapy usually costs $100 to $150 an hour and is unlikely to be covered by insurance unless it's part of a broader treatment such as psychotherapy. For referrals, go to American Society of Clinical Hypnosis.—