Archive for the ‘Weight Loss’ Category
How to Choose a Weight Loss Plan
Michael Jenkins asked:
In the developed countries the weight loss industry is booming as obesity soars. As such there are many weight loss plans that are entering the market with the aim of providing us a weight loss solution. Unfortunately there have been many diets and weight loss plans that have entered the market that promise fast weight loss, however are not offering long term weight loss solutions. The points below will have you choose a weight loss plan that best suits your weight loss goals.
Firstly a weight loss plan should meet the following needs for you:
- Match your lifestyle and food choices
- Promote healthy living habits including exercise and a balanced diet
- Meet your nutritional needs.
- Be a long term weight loss solution
Things to avoid when choosing a weight loss plan
- Avoid fad diets
- Avoid promises of excessive weight loss without exercise
- Plans that cut of out major food groups entirely (i.e. no carb diets)
- Promote fast weight loss with a wonder drug or pill
Set your weight loss goals
Before you can chose a weight loss plan that matches your weight loss goals and lifestyle you need to be clear about what you want to achieve. Do you want to lose 5-10kgs? What’s your weight loss goal? What time frame? Is that realistic. I would suggest taking a free diet profile at alfitness.com.au to help you with your goal setting to lose weight
Establish a support network
The success of a weight loss plan is accelerated when you have support from family and friends who are encouraging you to reach your weight loss goals. Perhaps look at starting a weight loss plan with a friend or family member.
Keep a food diary
Tracking what you eat is essential. Try this for a week and analyse your eating habits. There are some great online food journals and food calorie counters to help you lose weight.
Monitor your health
This is especially the case when following a restrictive weight loss plan like no carb plans for instance. Its important to monitor lipid profiles (blood fats including cholesterol and triglycerides). Very high protein plans can also effect kidney performance. If you haven’t been following a very healthy diet i would be careful about shifting to a diet that suggested cutting all carbs and only eating lean protein foods. I would check in with a doctor before starting any weight loss plan.
The fundamental basis of any weight loss plan that promotes long term weight loss is by providing you a healthy eating plan and fitness plan. Essentially the weight loss plan you chose should teach you skills that enable you to live a healthier lifestyle when you are no longer using the weight loss plan.. This is the basis of successful weight loss.
Good luck and i hope the weight loss plan you chose enables you to achieve your goals.
In the developed countries the weight loss industry is booming as obesity soars. As such there are many weight loss plans that are entering the market with the aim of providing us a weight loss solution. Unfortunately there have been many diets and weight loss plans that have entered the market that promise fast weight loss, however are not offering long term weight loss solutions. The points below will have you choose a weight loss plan that best suits your weight loss goals.
Firstly a weight loss plan should meet the following needs for you:
- Match your lifestyle and food choices
- Promote healthy living habits including exercise and a balanced diet
- Meet your nutritional needs.
- Be a long term weight loss solution
Things to avoid when choosing a weight loss plan
- Avoid fad diets
- Avoid promises of excessive weight loss without exercise
- Plans that cut of out major food groups entirely (i.e. no carb diets)
- Promote fast weight loss with a wonder drug or pill
Set your weight loss goals
Before you can chose a weight loss plan that matches your weight loss goals and lifestyle you need to be clear about what you want to achieve. Do you want to lose 5-10kgs? What’s your weight loss goal? What time frame? Is that realistic. I would suggest taking a free diet profile at alfitness.com.au to help you with your goal setting to lose weight
Establish a support network
The success of a weight loss plan is accelerated when you have support from family and friends who are encouraging you to reach your weight loss goals. Perhaps look at starting a weight loss plan with a friend or family member.
Keep a food diary
Tracking what you eat is essential. Try this for a week and analyse your eating habits. There are some great online food journals and food calorie counters to help you lose weight.
Monitor your health
This is especially the case when following a restrictive weight loss plan like no carb plans for instance. Its important to monitor lipid profiles (blood fats including cholesterol and triglycerides). Very high protein plans can also effect kidney performance. If you haven’t been following a very healthy diet i would be careful about shifting to a diet that suggested cutting all carbs and only eating lean protein foods. I would check in with a doctor before starting any weight loss plan.
The fundamental basis of any weight loss plan that promotes long term weight loss is by providing you a healthy eating plan and fitness plan. Essentially the weight loss plan you chose should teach you skills that enable you to live a healthier lifestyle when you are no longer using the weight loss plan.. This is the basis of successful weight loss.
Good luck and i hope the weight loss plan you chose enables you to achieve your goals.
Weight Loss Scams in Singapore
Tze Khit asked:
Do methods weight loss salons use work? How about the weight loss pills that ‘burn up to 2000 kilocalories per day’? Well, in most cases, people don’t even eat up to 2000 kilocalories when they’re trying to lose weight.
Quote from Singapore Health Promotion Board’s Nutrition FAQ:
The use of weight loss products may lead to relatively fast weight loss initially. Many weight loss products contain bioactive substances that suppress appetite, stimulate metabolism or induce water loss from the body. It is not safe to use these products without medical supervision. Moreover, weight loss products are usually expensive and do not help change the overweight individual’s eating and exercise behaviors that are the root causes of weight gain. This makes maintenance of weight loss difficult.
Enough said.
With regards to numerous weight loss salons using body wraps, infrared or electro stimulation devices etc – must you really be educated to realise that all these don’t work? Please don’t fall victim to their intensive marketing tactics. If they really work, why do they spend so much money on advertisements mostly showing astonishing ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures and slim figures of celebrities but little or no scientific information about their weight loss devices?
Wait. Didn’t recent TV programs show normal Singaporeans losing weight after visiting beauty salons? How do you explain that? Well, these weight loss salons know their stuffs don’t work, so now they’re getting smart enough to recruit some personal trainers and nutritionists to ‘preach’ healthy living. So on top of their dubious weight loss gimmicks (where the real bucks are rolling in), they have their clients exercise and diet. Without a doubt, exercise and diet worked, and weight loss resulted. At www.PT.com.sg we offer the same services (without the body wrap nonsense of course!) at a fraction of the cost.
Seriously, only lazy people wanting a quick fix would visit these weight loss salons. But the thing is that they don’t even provide a quick fix! You’ll only get ripped of.
Here’s an excerpt from a very informative report compiled by the Federal Trade Commission of the United States Of America – Deception In Weight Loss Advertising Workshop:
Seizing Opportunities and Building Partnerships to Stop Weight Loss Fraud. A panel of experts discusses and analyses claims made by manufacturers, citing scientific references to show how these claims are false and misleading the public. The claims include:
1. Consumers who use the advertised product can lose substantial weight without reducing caloric intake and/or increasing their physical activity.
2. Consumers who use the advertised product can lose substantial weight while still enjoying unlimited amounts of high calorie foods.
3. The advertised product will cause permanent weight loss.
4. The advertised product will cause substantial weight loss through the blockage of absorption of fat or calories.
5. Consumers who use the advertised product can safely lose more than three pounds per week for a period of more than four weeks.
6. Users can lose substantial weight though the use of the advertised product that is worn on the body or rubbed into the skin.
7. The advertised product will cause substantial weight loss for all users
8. Consumers who use the advertised product can lose weight only from those parts of the body where they wish to lose weight
Find them familiar? Read them in ads on the papers or on television lately? Please do take time to read the full report: http://www.ftc.gov/os/2003/12/031209weightlossrpt.pdf
Losing weight ain’t easy. Nobody said it is. Only hard work and smart dieting will help you achieve your goals. Another important key is to change your eating behaviors and adapt to healthy eating so that the weight will be put off for good. Please do show your friends and family the reports and help to prevent any more fellow Singaporeans from falling into the traps of these useless companies!
References
Muris, T. J., Thompson, M. W., Swindle, O, Leary, T. B., and Harbour, P. J. (2003). DECEPTION
IN WEIGHT LOSS ADVERTISING WORKSHOP: Seizing Opportunities and Building Partnerships to Stop Weight-Loss Fraud. Rockville MD: Bureau of Consumer Protection of the Federal Trade Commission..Available from World Wide Web:
http://www.ftc.gov/os/2003/12/031209weightlossrpt.pdf – Page 59-73
Health Promotion Board. (n.d). Nutrition FAQ. Singapore: HPB Online. Available from World Wide Web:
Singapore Health Promotion Board’s Nutrition FAQ – Q.12
*The statements in the above article are mere opinions of its author and are by no means directed to any beauty salons, weight loss salons or whatsoever, in Singapore.
Why Waste Money On Scientifically Unsound Slimming Programmes?
Use Our Proven Methods to Lose Weight Today.
Do methods weight loss salons use work? How about the weight loss pills that ‘burn up to 2000 kilocalories per day’? Well, in most cases, people don’t even eat up to 2000 kilocalories when they’re trying to lose weight.
Quote from Singapore Health Promotion Board’s Nutrition FAQ:
The use of weight loss products may lead to relatively fast weight loss initially. Many weight loss products contain bioactive substances that suppress appetite, stimulate metabolism or induce water loss from the body. It is not safe to use these products without medical supervision. Moreover, weight loss products are usually expensive and do not help change the overweight individual’s eating and exercise behaviors that are the root causes of weight gain. This makes maintenance of weight loss difficult.
Enough said.
With regards to numerous weight loss salons using body wraps, infrared or electro stimulation devices etc – must you really be educated to realise that all these don’t work? Please don’t fall victim to their intensive marketing tactics. If they really work, why do they spend so much money on advertisements mostly showing astonishing ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures and slim figures of celebrities but little or no scientific information about their weight loss devices?
Wait. Didn’t recent TV programs show normal Singaporeans losing weight after visiting beauty salons? How do you explain that? Well, these weight loss salons know their stuffs don’t work, so now they’re getting smart enough to recruit some personal trainers and nutritionists to ‘preach’ healthy living. So on top of their dubious weight loss gimmicks (where the real bucks are rolling in), they have their clients exercise and diet. Without a doubt, exercise and diet worked, and weight loss resulted. At www.PT.com.sg we offer the same services (without the body wrap nonsense of course!) at a fraction of the cost.
Seriously, only lazy people wanting a quick fix would visit these weight loss salons. But the thing is that they don’t even provide a quick fix! You’ll only get ripped of.
Here’s an excerpt from a very informative report compiled by the Federal Trade Commission of the United States Of America – Deception In Weight Loss Advertising Workshop:
Seizing Opportunities and Building Partnerships to Stop Weight Loss Fraud. A panel of experts discusses and analyses claims made by manufacturers, citing scientific references to show how these claims are false and misleading the public. The claims include:
1. Consumers who use the advertised product can lose substantial weight without reducing caloric intake and/or increasing their physical activity.
2. Consumers who use the advertised product can lose substantial weight while still enjoying unlimited amounts of high calorie foods.
3. The advertised product will cause permanent weight loss.
4. The advertised product will cause substantial weight loss through the blockage of absorption of fat or calories.
5. Consumers who use the advertised product can safely lose more than three pounds per week for a period of more than four weeks.
6. Users can lose substantial weight though the use of the advertised product that is worn on the body or rubbed into the skin.
7. The advertised product will cause substantial weight loss for all users
8. Consumers who use the advertised product can lose weight only from those parts of the body where they wish to lose weight
Find them familiar? Read them in ads on the papers or on television lately? Please do take time to read the full report: http://www.ftc.gov/os/2003/12/031209weightlossrpt.pdf
Losing weight ain’t easy. Nobody said it is. Only hard work and smart dieting will help you achieve your goals. Another important key is to change your eating behaviors and adapt to healthy eating so that the weight will be put off for good. Please do show your friends and family the reports and help to prevent any more fellow Singaporeans from falling into the traps of these useless companies!
References
Muris, T. J., Thompson, M. W., Swindle, O, Leary, T. B., and Harbour, P. J. (2003). DECEPTION
IN WEIGHT LOSS ADVERTISING WORKSHOP: Seizing Opportunities and Building Partnerships to Stop Weight-Loss Fraud. Rockville MD: Bureau of Consumer Protection of the Federal Trade Commission..Available from World Wide Web:
http://www.ftc.gov/os/2003/12/031209weightlossrpt.pdf – Page 59-73
Health Promotion Board. (n.d). Nutrition FAQ. Singapore: HPB Online. Available from World Wide Web:
Singapore Health Promotion Board’s Nutrition FAQ – Q.12
*The statements in the above article are mere opinions of its author and are by no means directed to any beauty salons, weight loss salons or whatsoever, in Singapore.
Why Waste Money On Scientifically Unsound Slimming Programmes?
Use Our Proven Methods to Lose Weight Today.
Online Weight Loss Programs: How They Work
Li Ming Wong asked:
If you are interested in losing weight, you may have thought about joining a local weight loss program or visiting a local weight loss center. Unfortunately, if you are like many other individuals who are interested in losing weight, you may not necessarily have the time to do so. Whether you have a demanding job, a family to take care of, or both, you may find it impossible to meet up with a local weight loss group on a regular basis. If that is the case, you may be thinking that achieving your weight loss goal is simply out of reach, but it doesn’t have to be.
What many individuals do not know is that they can join an online weight loss program. Online weight loss programs are similar to many locally operated weight loss programs. Often times, the only difference is that you do not get to meet with group leaders or other members in person. If you are searching for a way to incorporate weight loss into your busy schedule, you are urged to examine online weight loss programs. These online weight loss programs are designed for all individuals, but they are perfect for those who regularly find themselves pressed for time.
When it comes to online weight loss programs, you will find that these online weight loss programs come in a number of different formats. For starters, it is possible to find free online weight loss programs; however, you will likely find that the best ones require the paying of a membership fee. Although each weight loss program is likely to vary, many have affordable monthly membership rates, some as low as five dollars a month. It is also possible to find weight loss programs that are designed for women, men, those over the age of fifty, and so forth.
If you have never joined an online weight loss program before, you may be wondering a little bit more about how they work. As previously stated, not all online weight loss programs are the same. With that in mind, however, you will find that many operate in similar matters. A few of the many member perks that you may get, when joining an online weight loss program, are outlined below.
One of the many perks or benefits to joining an online weight loss program is that you should get access to workout or exercise information. Many online weight loss programs will give you access to their website, which should have exercises and workouts outlined for you. You should be able to get detailed directions for those exercises, pictures, and possibly even sample videos. Some more expensive online weight loss programs will give you access to customize workouts, ones which focus on the areas of your body that you would most like to improve.
Another member perk or feature that you should get access to with an online weight loss program is that of healthy recipes. Healthy eating is an important part of weight loss. That is why many online weight loss programs have a healthy eating section. Not only may you get healthy food recipes, but you may also get moneysaving coupons, as well as cooking and food shopping tips.
As previously stated, often times the only difference between a locally operated weight loss program and an online program is the fact that you do not get to meet with the group leaders or other group members in person. With online weight loss programs, you may not get in-person contact, but you may still be able to communicate. Many online weight loss programs have online message boards for their members to communicate with each other.
As a reminder, it is important to remember that not all online weight loss programs are the same. Despite the possibility of a variance, you should find that most online weight loss programs are more than worth your money, especially if you regularly find yourself pressed for time.
If you are interested in losing weight, you may have thought about joining a local weight loss program or visiting a local weight loss center. Unfortunately, if you are like many other individuals who are interested in losing weight, you may not necessarily have the time to do so. Whether you have a demanding job, a family to take care of, or both, you may find it impossible to meet up with a local weight loss group on a regular basis. If that is the case, you may be thinking that achieving your weight loss goal is simply out of reach, but it doesn’t have to be.
What many individuals do not know is that they can join an online weight loss program. Online weight loss programs are similar to many locally operated weight loss programs. Often times, the only difference is that you do not get to meet with group leaders or other members in person. If you are searching for a way to incorporate weight loss into your busy schedule, you are urged to examine online weight loss programs. These online weight loss programs are designed for all individuals, but they are perfect for those who regularly find themselves pressed for time.
When it comes to online weight loss programs, you will find that these online weight loss programs come in a number of different formats. For starters, it is possible to find free online weight loss programs; however, you will likely find that the best ones require the paying of a membership fee. Although each weight loss program is likely to vary, many have affordable monthly membership rates, some as low as five dollars a month. It is also possible to find weight loss programs that are designed for women, men, those over the age of fifty, and so forth.
If you have never joined an online weight loss program before, you may be wondering a little bit more about how they work. As previously stated, not all online weight loss programs are the same. With that in mind, however, you will find that many operate in similar matters. A few of the many member perks that you may get, when joining an online weight loss program, are outlined below.
One of the many perks or benefits to joining an online weight loss program is that you should get access to workout or exercise information. Many online weight loss programs will give you access to their website, which should have exercises and workouts outlined for you. You should be able to get detailed directions for those exercises, pictures, and possibly even sample videos. Some more expensive online weight loss programs will give you access to customize workouts, ones which focus on the areas of your body that you would most like to improve.
Another member perk or feature that you should get access to with an online weight loss program is that of healthy recipes. Healthy eating is an important part of weight loss. That is why many online weight loss programs have a healthy eating section. Not only may you get healthy food recipes, but you may also get moneysaving coupons, as well as cooking and food shopping tips.
As previously stated, often times the only difference between a locally operated weight loss program and an online program is the fact that you do not get to meet with the group leaders or other group members in person. With online weight loss programs, you may not get in-person contact, but you may still be able to communicate. Many online weight loss programs have online message boards for their members to communicate with each other.
As a reminder, it is important to remember that not all online weight loss programs are the same. Despite the possibility of a variance, you should find that most online weight loss programs are more than worth your money, especially if you regularly find yourself pressed for time.
Using Hypnosis for Weight Loss
Mark Albertson asked:
Copyright (c) 2008 Mark Albertson
The escalation of obesity rates in this country has sparked a flurry of activity among both serious researchers and charlatans to discover the perfect weight loss method. A recent study of four diets revealed that the key to weight loss success isn’t the diet, but how closely you follow it. Investigators from Tufts-New England Medical Center (Journal of the American Medical Association, January 2005) have determined in a study of four popular diets that the key to successful weight loss is not the diet itself, but actually following the diet. In this one-year study of 160 overweight adults, the researchers split people into four diet groups:
· Weight Watchers (low calorie)
· The Zone Diet (low glycemic index)
· The Ornish Diet (low fat)
· The Atkins Diet (low carb)
The conclusion of the investigation was that all of these diets worked when the participants in the study followed them. The problem is that less than one in four were able to stay on their given diet for just this one year.
It should be noted that the hardest diet to follow was Atkins, followed by the Ornish Diet, but according to the authors of the study, “no single diet produced satisfactory adherence rates.” Hypnosis has been recognized as a both a method for helping people to adhere to their diets, and for re-training the mind to “think” like a lean person, in order to be able to give up dieting completely and to develop healthy eating habits that parallel the eating habits of lean people.
That being said, wild and exaggerated claims abound regarding hypnosis as it one of the more appealing methods dangled before the eyes of those who are hungry for a seemingly easy solution to a complex problem.
A careful review of the scientific literatures exposes many of the claims about weight loss through hypnosis on the internet as overly optimistic at best and openly fraudulent at worst.
Considerable controversy swirls around the mechanisms by which hypnosis actually contributes to weight loss. Leon (1976) suggested that hypnosis can help obese people team new healthier eating patterns and retain them. One author remarked that the hypnotic state is characterized by heightened concentration, suggestibility, and relaxation (Mott, 1982). Certain individuals are thought to be capable of achieving this state more readily than others. A so-called hypnotic “induction” whereby a hypnotist using certain procedures to bring an individual into the hypnotic state is not a prerequisite for achieving the state (Mott, 1982). Hypnosis, contrary to the claims of some intemet advertisers cannot magically reprogram people’s minds. In short, methods of hypnosis run the gamut from simple relaxation techniques to formal inductions administered by hypnotists, but should not be considered supernatural in its effects.
Studies showing weight loss as a result of hypnosis alone are few in number and suffer from methodological problems. Andersen (1985) reported that following 8 weekly treatment sessions and 12 weeks of practicing self-hypnosis subjects lost an average of 20.2 pounds. Cochrane and Friesen (1986) concluded that moderate weight loss was obtained by subjects using hypnosis. The experimental group, lost more weight than the controls and maintained the weight loss at a six month follow-up.
Mott (1982) stated that “although hypnosis is sometimes referred to as a method of treatment, it is more accurate to regard hypnosis as a facilitator of a number of different treatment methods.” The study concludes that the use of hypnosis for a moderate weight loss is effective using hypnotherapy. Hypnosis Plus Behavioral Weight Management A number of studies indicate that hypnosis combined with a behavioral weight management program contributes significantly to weight loss. Bolocofsky, Spinler, and Coulthard-Morris (1985) revealed that the addition of hypnosis to a behavioral program designed to alter eating patterns increased the amount of weight loss at 8-month and 2year follow-ups. Both the behavioral and hypnosis programs were tailored to each subject individually in the study. Bolocofsky et al. (1984) acknowledged that “the less a person weighed at the start of the program the more likely he was to lose weight and maintain the reduction”. Hypnosis combined with behavioral weight management seems to be more effective for small amounts of weight loss. Another study of 45 females found that supplementing a basic self-management program with hypnosis resulted in a slightly greater amount of weight loss at a 3-month follow-up (Barabasz and Spiegel, 1989). The group for which individualized hypnotic suggestions were developed lost more weight than those exposed only to a group procedure. Kirsch (1996) noted a weight loss of 6.00 pounds without hypnosis and 11.83 pounds with hypnosis based on a meta-analysis of six studies. Allison and Faith (1996), however, disagreed and maintained that hypnosis only enhances cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy slightly if at all. Long-term individualized hypnosis combined with a behavioral weight management program appears to contribute to modest weight loss and helps maintain it.
Hypnosis operates mainly as a way to increase participants’ attention to suggestions of behavioral programs as well as to reinforce their weight loss. Studies using behavioral treatments successfully “typically have developed incentive systems to bridge the gap between the short-term -reinforcers provided during treatment and long-term goal of weight reduction” (Bolocofsky et al., 1985). Hypnosis can fulfill this role by stepping in as a psychological reinforcer. Hypnosis may assist subjects in learning positive eating behaviors and creating healthy long-term patterns of food intake. Subjects are then more likely to incorporate the rules of a particular program into their behavioral regimes (Bolocofsky, 1985). Kroger (1970) points out the similarities between hypnosis and behavioral treatments which share an emphasis on visualization and imagination. The literature suggests that hypnosis is an ideal addition to behavioral weight management programs which tend to need supplementation to achieve long-term results.
The Hodgepodge Problem in Weight Loss Studies The use of subjects of varying ages and backgrounds represents one challenge that plagues studies of hypnosis as a useful treatment for weight loss. Andersen (1985) utilized subjects ranging in age from 21-56 years, a considerable spread. Subjects in another study ranged in age from 17 to 67 resulting in considerable potential differences between the control group and the hypnosis group (Bolocofsky et al., 1985). The fact that subjects were not matched with regard to age could exaggerate results of weight loss as a result of hypnosis that may more accurately be attributed to age differences. McCabe, Jupp, and Collins (I985) suggested a tendency for younger women to drop out of weight loss programs relative to older women leading to a possible masking of potential effects of age. Bolocofsky et al. (1984) indicated that successful hypnotic weight loss participants were higher in self-control, weighed less at the start of the study, married, and more expressive. A wide variety of factors influence whether a given subject will lose weight through a hypnotic weight loss program. Anderson (1985) cites the absence of matched subjects as a weakness in her experiment. More studies with subjects closely matched on various characteristics should be conducted to substantiate claims about the effectiveness of hypnosis for weight loss when combined with a behavioral program.
Most studies require weekly consultation with a hypnotist for 8 weeks or more in addition to self-hypnosis (Bolocofsky et al., 1984; Bolocofsky et al., 1985, Andersen, 1985; Cochrane & Friesen, 1986; McCabe et al., 1985). Internet advertisers who claim weight loss will occur following a single hypnotic session, especially a group hypnotic session, are frauds selling dreams to desperate customers. Allison and Faith (1996) underscore that “there is currently no panacea for the treatment of obesity and hypnosis is no exception”. Treatment using hypnosis then is not a quick and easy way out of weight troubles. In order to achieve any benefits from its use, hypnosis must be practiced on a regular basis for a significant period of time.
Conclusions and Limitations
Hypnosis has been shown to be an effective treatment for low to moderate amounts of weight loss. One qualification of this statement is that the hypnotic program should be tailored to each individual. Hypnosis is a process by which an individual enters a state of relaxation and heightened suggestibility, Transformation of the brain through some mysterious process defines only the hypnosis of pseudoscientists. Quick-fix hypnosis is probably much less effective than an 8 week program using both in-session hypnosis, at-home self-hypnosis, and behavioral weight management. The only people who claim hypnosis is easy, simple, and quick are those trying to sell people on their program. The largest obstacle in weight loss is its long-term retention, but follow-ups of hypnosis as a weight loss treatment have been conducted at the longest after two years. Weight loss tapes lack scientific evidence to support their success and should be purchased with this knowledge in mind. Weight loss through hypnosis has been largely ignored by scientists and more studies with control groups and large subject pools are required to understand its action and import.
Copyright (c) 2008 Mark Albertson
The escalation of obesity rates in this country has sparked a flurry of activity among both serious researchers and charlatans to discover the perfect weight loss method. A recent study of four diets revealed that the key to weight loss success isn’t the diet, but how closely you follow it. Investigators from Tufts-New England Medical Center (Journal of the American Medical Association, January 2005) have determined in a study of four popular diets that the key to successful weight loss is not the diet itself, but actually following the diet. In this one-year study of 160 overweight adults, the researchers split people into four diet groups:
· Weight Watchers (low calorie)
· The Zone Diet (low glycemic index)
· The Ornish Diet (low fat)
· The Atkins Diet (low carb)
The conclusion of the investigation was that all of these diets worked when the participants in the study followed them. The problem is that less than one in four were able to stay on their given diet for just this one year.
It should be noted that the hardest diet to follow was Atkins, followed by the Ornish Diet, but according to the authors of the study, “no single diet produced satisfactory adherence rates.” Hypnosis has been recognized as a both a method for helping people to adhere to their diets, and for re-training the mind to “think” like a lean person, in order to be able to give up dieting completely and to develop healthy eating habits that parallel the eating habits of lean people.
That being said, wild and exaggerated claims abound regarding hypnosis as it one of the more appealing methods dangled before the eyes of those who are hungry for a seemingly easy solution to a complex problem.
A careful review of the scientific literatures exposes many of the claims about weight loss through hypnosis on the internet as overly optimistic at best and openly fraudulent at worst.
Considerable controversy swirls around the mechanisms by which hypnosis actually contributes to weight loss. Leon (1976) suggested that hypnosis can help obese people team new healthier eating patterns and retain them. One author remarked that the hypnotic state is characterized by heightened concentration, suggestibility, and relaxation (Mott, 1982). Certain individuals are thought to be capable of achieving this state more readily than others. A so-called hypnotic “induction” whereby a hypnotist using certain procedures to bring an individual into the hypnotic state is not a prerequisite for achieving the state (Mott, 1982). Hypnosis, contrary to the claims of some intemet advertisers cannot magically reprogram people’s minds. In short, methods of hypnosis run the gamut from simple relaxation techniques to formal inductions administered by hypnotists, but should not be considered supernatural in its effects.
Studies showing weight loss as a result of hypnosis alone are few in number and suffer from methodological problems. Andersen (1985) reported that following 8 weekly treatment sessions and 12 weeks of practicing self-hypnosis subjects lost an average of 20.2 pounds. Cochrane and Friesen (1986) concluded that moderate weight loss was obtained by subjects using hypnosis. The experimental group, lost more weight than the controls and maintained the weight loss at a six month follow-up.
Mott (1982) stated that “although hypnosis is sometimes referred to as a method of treatment, it is more accurate to regard hypnosis as a facilitator of a number of different treatment methods.” The study concludes that the use of hypnosis for a moderate weight loss is effective using hypnotherapy. Hypnosis Plus Behavioral Weight Management A number of studies indicate that hypnosis combined with a behavioral weight management program contributes significantly to weight loss. Bolocofsky, Spinler, and Coulthard-Morris (1985) revealed that the addition of hypnosis to a behavioral program designed to alter eating patterns increased the amount of weight loss at 8-month and 2year follow-ups. Both the behavioral and hypnosis programs were tailored to each subject individually in the study. Bolocofsky et al. (1984) acknowledged that “the less a person weighed at the start of the program the more likely he was to lose weight and maintain the reduction”. Hypnosis combined with behavioral weight management seems to be more effective for small amounts of weight loss. Another study of 45 females found that supplementing a basic self-management program with hypnosis resulted in a slightly greater amount of weight loss at a 3-month follow-up (Barabasz and Spiegel, 1989). The group for which individualized hypnotic suggestions were developed lost more weight than those exposed only to a group procedure. Kirsch (1996) noted a weight loss of 6.00 pounds without hypnosis and 11.83 pounds with hypnosis based on a meta-analysis of six studies. Allison and Faith (1996), however, disagreed and maintained that hypnosis only enhances cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy slightly if at all. Long-term individualized hypnosis combined with a behavioral weight management program appears to contribute to modest weight loss and helps maintain it.
Hypnosis operates mainly as a way to increase participants’ attention to suggestions of behavioral programs as well as to reinforce their weight loss. Studies using behavioral treatments successfully “typically have developed incentive systems to bridge the gap between the short-term -reinforcers provided during treatment and long-term goal of weight reduction” (Bolocofsky et al., 1985). Hypnosis can fulfill this role by stepping in as a psychological reinforcer. Hypnosis may assist subjects in learning positive eating behaviors and creating healthy long-term patterns of food intake. Subjects are then more likely to incorporate the rules of a particular program into their behavioral regimes (Bolocofsky, 1985). Kroger (1970) points out the similarities between hypnosis and behavioral treatments which share an emphasis on visualization and imagination. The literature suggests that hypnosis is an ideal addition to behavioral weight management programs which tend to need supplementation to achieve long-term results.
The Hodgepodge Problem in Weight Loss Studies The use of subjects of varying ages and backgrounds represents one challenge that plagues studies of hypnosis as a useful treatment for weight loss. Andersen (1985) utilized subjects ranging in age from 21-56 years, a considerable spread. Subjects in another study ranged in age from 17 to 67 resulting in considerable potential differences between the control group and the hypnosis group (Bolocofsky et al., 1985). The fact that subjects were not matched with regard to age could exaggerate results of weight loss as a result of hypnosis that may more accurately be attributed to age differences. McCabe, Jupp, and Collins (I985) suggested a tendency for younger women to drop out of weight loss programs relative to older women leading to a possible masking of potential effects of age. Bolocofsky et al. (1984) indicated that successful hypnotic weight loss participants were higher in self-control, weighed less at the start of the study, married, and more expressive. A wide variety of factors influence whether a given subject will lose weight through a hypnotic weight loss program. Anderson (1985) cites the absence of matched subjects as a weakness in her experiment. More studies with subjects closely matched on various characteristics should be conducted to substantiate claims about the effectiveness of hypnosis for weight loss when combined with a behavioral program.
Most studies require weekly consultation with a hypnotist for 8 weeks or more in addition to self-hypnosis (Bolocofsky et al., 1984; Bolocofsky et al., 1985, Andersen, 1985; Cochrane & Friesen, 1986; McCabe et al., 1985). Internet advertisers who claim weight loss will occur following a single hypnotic session, especially a group hypnotic session, are frauds selling dreams to desperate customers. Allison and Faith (1996) underscore that “there is currently no panacea for the treatment of obesity and hypnosis is no exception”. Treatment using hypnosis then is not a quick and easy way out of weight troubles. In order to achieve any benefits from its use, hypnosis must be practiced on a regular basis for a significant period of time.
Conclusions and Limitations
Hypnosis has been shown to be an effective treatment for low to moderate amounts of weight loss. One qualification of this statement is that the hypnotic program should be tailored to each individual. Hypnosis is a process by which an individual enters a state of relaxation and heightened suggestibility, Transformation of the brain through some mysterious process defines only the hypnosis of pseudoscientists. Quick-fix hypnosis is probably much less effective than an 8 week program using both in-session hypnosis, at-home self-hypnosis, and behavioral weight management. The only people who claim hypnosis is easy, simple, and quick are those trying to sell people on their program. The largest obstacle in weight loss is its long-term retention, but follow-ups of hypnosis as a weight loss treatment have been conducted at the longest after two years. Weight loss tapes lack scientific evidence to support their success and should be purchased with this knowledge in mind. Weight loss through hypnosis has been largely ignored by scientists and more studies with control groups and large subject pools are required to understand its action and import.
Fat Burning Hormone Weight Loss
Richard asked:
Trying out diet after diet becomes pretty tiresome after a while and because there are so many thousands of products for weight loss out there it is no wonder most people give up in frustration. Instead of struggling to lose weight the conventional ways using pills, exercise machines and appetite suppressants, you may want to try something totally unique which is fat burning hormone weight loss. No doubt you will feel more comfortable when you know that a weight loss program has been designed by an expert that knows what they are talking about. Fat burning hormone weight loss has been designed by an expert nutritionist and this method is guaranteed to work. In fact you can lose up to a pound a day if you follow it properly by tricking your body hormones.
Natural foods for Hormone weight loss
You do not need to go on a miserable dieting plan when you follow this incredible fat burning weight loss technique which has amazed hundreds of people already. Instead of using pills and meal replacement shakes or unnatural appetite suppressants fat burning hormones is a system where your body does all the work itself. You just need to know how to implement the system and stick to easy guidelines. Because you lose weight so rapidly you may have to stop the plan in between to give your body a rest. Pretty exciting I am sure you will agree.
How Much weight can I lose with this revolutionary fat Burning weight loss program?
People that follow this program correctly can lose almost 1 pound per day and most people lose between 15 and 25 pounds in as little as a single month. Fat burning hormone weight loss is very simple to follow in a step bys step program that is explained so that everyone can understand exactly what you need to do to lose astonishing amounts of weight. Read about this incredible fat burning hormone weight loss system and look forward to be able to fit into all those favorite outfits within as little as a month.
The simplest way to Lose weight ever is using your body hormones.
You can read some testimonials of delighted people that have been blown away by this amazing fat burning weight loss program. Many people have spent small fortunes trying to lose stubborn fat with inadequate results. After investing in this incredible weight loss system they have finally achieved the results they always dreamed of and more! This expert nutritionist offers you weight loss like you cannot imagine if you follow a simple easy to understand fat burning hormone weight loss system. Lose drastic amounts of weight ion a short period of time and keep it off.
Trying out diet after diet becomes pretty tiresome after a while and because there are so many thousands of products for weight loss out there it is no wonder most people give up in frustration. Instead of struggling to lose weight the conventional ways using pills, exercise machines and appetite suppressants, you may want to try something totally unique which is fat burning hormone weight loss. No doubt you will feel more comfortable when you know that a weight loss program has been designed by an expert that knows what they are talking about. Fat burning hormone weight loss has been designed by an expert nutritionist and this method is guaranteed to work. In fact you can lose up to a pound a day if you follow it properly by tricking your body hormones.
Natural foods for Hormone weight loss
You do not need to go on a miserable dieting plan when you follow this incredible fat burning weight loss technique which has amazed hundreds of people already. Instead of using pills and meal replacement shakes or unnatural appetite suppressants fat burning hormones is a system where your body does all the work itself. You just need to know how to implement the system and stick to easy guidelines. Because you lose weight so rapidly you may have to stop the plan in between to give your body a rest. Pretty exciting I am sure you will agree.
How Much weight can I lose with this revolutionary fat Burning weight loss program?
People that follow this program correctly can lose almost 1 pound per day and most people lose between 15 and 25 pounds in as little as a single month. Fat burning hormone weight loss is very simple to follow in a step bys step program that is explained so that everyone can understand exactly what you need to do to lose astonishing amounts of weight. Read about this incredible fat burning hormone weight loss system and look forward to be able to fit into all those favorite outfits within as little as a month.
The simplest way to Lose weight ever is using your body hormones.
You can read some testimonials of delighted people that have been blown away by this amazing fat burning weight loss program. Many people have spent small fortunes trying to lose stubborn fat with inadequate results. After investing in this incredible weight loss system they have finally achieved the results they always dreamed of and more! This expert nutritionist offers you weight loss like you cannot imagine if you follow a simple easy to understand fat burning hormone weight loss system. Lose drastic amounts of weight ion a short period of time and keep it off.
Paying for a Weight Loss Program Versus Developing your Own
Li Ming Wong asked:
Are you interested in losing weight? Whether you would like to improve your health, improve you appearance, or do both, you may be interested in finding a weight loss plan to use. When it comes to weight loss plans, you will find that you have a number of different options. Two of your most common options include paying for a weight loss plan or developing your own.
If this is your first time attempting to “seriously,” lose weight, you may be wondering whether you should develop your own weight loss plan, also commonly referred to as a weight loss program, or pay for one. One of the best ways to determine which weight loss plan you should use is to examine the pros and cons of each. A few of the most influential advantages and disadvantages to developing your own weight loss plan, as well as paying for one are outlined below.
When it comes to paying for a weight loss plan or a weight loss program, you will find that you can do so locally or online. If you choose to participate in a local weight loss program or plan, you will likely meet in a centralized location. Many times, you just get together every week or two. There are some weight loss programs where you can exercise onsite though. Should you choose to join an online weight loss program, you will likely have online meetings or discussions with trainers or other weight loss program members, either on a message board or through emails. You should also have access to healthy recipes and easy to do exercises.
One of the many advantages to paying for a weight loss program or a weight loss plan is that you are often given a professional plan. Many times, the individuals or trainers in charge of running these programs have training or firsthand experience with losing weight. This often eliminates trial and error, as many have already learned what works and what does not work with weight loss.
In all honestly, the only downside to paying to join a weight loss program or a weight loss plan is that you have to pay to do so. With that in mind, however, you should be able to find affordable weight loss programs and plans, both locally and online. Although it is not guaranteed, many people find the most affordable help in the form of online weight loss programs or online weight loss plans.
As for developing your own weight loss plan, there are a number of advantages to doing so. One of those advantages is that you can customize your weight loss plan and program to you. For example, if you were allergic to milk, you could work your allergy into your weight loss program, where as a paid weight loss plan or program may not do so. You can also customize your workouts to yourself. This is great if you are obese and unable to follow many workout videos, which seem like they are designed for those who already in “perfect,” shape.
Another one of the many advantages to developing your own weight loss plan to follow is that it is fun to do. You also have a number of tools at your fingertips. There are a number of websites and magazines that you can get weight loss information from; information that you can use to create your own weight loss plan to follow. Some individuals have said that creating their own weight loss plan to follow makes them more excited about the process and more likely to see the plan all the way through.
The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you may want to take into consideration, when trying to determine whether you should develop your own weight loss program or join a paid weight loss program. Many individuals have reported starting their own weight loss program and then later joining a paid one if they didn’t get the results that they were hoping for.
Are you interested in losing weight? Whether you would like to improve your health, improve you appearance, or do both, you may be interested in finding a weight loss plan to use. When it comes to weight loss plans, you will find that you have a number of different options. Two of your most common options include paying for a weight loss plan or developing your own.
If this is your first time attempting to “seriously,” lose weight, you may be wondering whether you should develop your own weight loss plan, also commonly referred to as a weight loss program, or pay for one. One of the best ways to determine which weight loss plan you should use is to examine the pros and cons of each. A few of the most influential advantages and disadvantages to developing your own weight loss plan, as well as paying for one are outlined below.
When it comes to paying for a weight loss plan or a weight loss program, you will find that you can do so locally or online. If you choose to participate in a local weight loss program or plan, you will likely meet in a centralized location. Many times, you just get together every week or two. There are some weight loss programs where you can exercise onsite though. Should you choose to join an online weight loss program, you will likely have online meetings or discussions with trainers or other weight loss program members, either on a message board or through emails. You should also have access to healthy recipes and easy to do exercises.
One of the many advantages to paying for a weight loss program or a weight loss plan is that you are often given a professional plan. Many times, the individuals or trainers in charge of running these programs have training or firsthand experience with losing weight. This often eliminates trial and error, as many have already learned what works and what does not work with weight loss.
In all honestly, the only downside to paying to join a weight loss program or a weight loss plan is that you have to pay to do so. With that in mind, however, you should be able to find affordable weight loss programs and plans, both locally and online. Although it is not guaranteed, many people find the most affordable help in the form of online weight loss programs or online weight loss plans.
As for developing your own weight loss plan, there are a number of advantages to doing so. One of those advantages is that you can customize your weight loss plan and program to you. For example, if you were allergic to milk, you could work your allergy into your weight loss program, where as a paid weight loss plan or program may not do so. You can also customize your workouts to yourself. This is great if you are obese and unable to follow many workout videos, which seem like they are designed for those who already in “perfect,” shape.
Another one of the many advantages to developing your own weight loss plan to follow is that it is fun to do. You also have a number of tools at your fingertips. There are a number of websites and magazines that you can get weight loss information from; information that you can use to create your own weight loss plan to follow. Some individuals have said that creating their own weight loss plan to follow makes them more excited about the process and more likely to see the plan all the way through.
The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you may want to take into consideration, when trying to determine whether you should develop your own weight loss program or join a paid weight loss program. Many individuals have reported starting their own weight loss program and then later joining a paid one if they didn’t get the results that they were hoping for.