The Use of Self-Help Strategies in Obesity Treatment. A Narrative Review Focused on Hypnosis and Mindfulness

Abstract

Purpose of Review The aim of this narrative review was to summarize the evidence evaluating the possibilities and limitations of self-hypnosis and mindfulness strategies in the treatment of obesity. Recent Findings Psychological factors, such as mood disorders and stress, can affect eating behaviors and deeply influence weight gain. Psychological approaches to weight management could increase the motivation and self-control of the patients with obesity, limiting their impulsiveness and inappropriate use of food. The cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) represents the cornerstone of obesity treatment, but complementary and self-directed psychological interventions, such as hypnosis and mindfulness, could represent additional strategies to increase the effectiveness of weight loss programs, by improving dysfunctional eating behaviors, self-motivation, and stimulus control. Summary Both hypnosis and mindfulness provide a promising therapeutic option by improving weight loss, food awareness, self-acceptance of body image, and limiting food cravings and emotional eating. Greater effectiveness occurs when hypnosis and mindfulness are associated with other psychological therapies in addition to diet and physical activity. Additional research is needed to determine whether these strategies are effective in the long term and whether they can be routinely introduced into the clinical practice.

The use of audio self-hypnosis to promote weight loss using the transtheoretical model of change: a randomized clinical pilot trial

“…The first lockdown in the country occurred in May 2020. Similar to other studies regarding hypnosis ( Pellegrini et al, 2021 ), dropout and recruitment are major obstacles. Another limitation is the sample’s limited generalizability due to its predominantly educated female participants.…”

“…Most of the research on hypnosis and self-hypnosis is observational and was published two decades ago ( Milling, Gover & Moriarty, 2018 ; Pellegrini et al, 2021 ; Roslim et al, 2021 ). This was a double-blinded study in which self-hypnosis was used as the sole intervention.…”

Relação bidirecional entre obesidade e transtornos mentais

“…Uma das abordagens da psicoterapia que são mais aceitas é denominada Argumenta-se que o foco explícito na mudança de comportamento na TCC deve ser complementado pelo reconhecimento do valor da aceitação e da importância da relação entre esses dois objetivos do tratamento (FELIU-SOLER et al, 2018). As abordagens psicológicas para o controle do peso podem aumentar a motivação e o autocontrole dos pacientes com obesidade, limitando sua impulsividade e uso inadequado de alimentos (PELLEGRINI et al, 2021). Além de ser importante por si só, aumentar a auto-aceitação pode levar a mudanças mais duradouras no comportamento alimentar e de exercícios relevantes para a saúde (STIEGER; ALLEMAND; LACHMAN, 2020).…”

Behavioral Interventions to Attenuate Driven Overeating and Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery

“…Mindfulness interventions designed to interrupt negative internal experiences and improve decision-making in the moment may help attenuate but not reverse weight gain. Nevertheless, mindfulness training is not yet a part of routine care for bariatric patients, and the long-term benefit and durability of such interventions are not known ( 96 ). Acquiring mindfulness skills requires experiential learning and consistent practice, which may not be appropriate or feasible for every patient.…”