A virtual gastric band, also known as hypnotherapy for weight loss, is a non-invasive alternative to traditional gastric band surgery. It involves undergoing hypnosis to convince the subconscious mind that a gastric band has been fitted, leading to a reduced appetite and ultimately weight loss. But does it really work, and if so, why?
Firstly, it’s important to note that while virtual gastric band therapy has been shown to be effective in some cases, it is not a miracle cure for weight loss. It should be seen as one tool in a larger toolkit of weight loss methods, including exercise, healthy eating habits, and mental health support.
That being said, studies have shown that virtual gastric band therapy can be effective in helping people lose weight. A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis found that participants who underwent virtual gastric band therapy lost an average of 6.6 pounds in four weeks, compared to just 0.66 pounds in a control group.
So why does virtual gastric band therapy work? One theory is that it helps to address the psychological factors that can contribute to overeating and weight gain. Many people struggle with emotional eating, where they turn to food as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions. Virtual gastric band therapy can help to break this cycle by addressing the underlying emotional issues and helping people develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Another theory is that virtual gastric band therapy can help to retrain the brain’s response to food. Our brains are wired to seek out high-calorie foods as a survival mechanism, but in today’s world of abundant food options, this can lead to overeating and weight gain. By convincing the subconscious mind that a physical gastric band has been fitted, virtual gastric band therapy can help to reduce the appetite and make it easier to resist unhealthy food choices.
It’s worth noting that virtual gastric band therapy is not for everyone. It may not be effective for people who have a significant amount of weight to lose, or for those who have underlying medical conditions that contribute to their weight gain. It’s also important to work with a qualified hypnotherapist who has experience in virtual gastric band therapy, as the effectiveness of the treatment depends heavily on the skill of the therapist.
Recently we have heard on the news about the injection to lose weight. If you however read the fine print, you must eat a calorie reduced diet, smaller portions and exercise for it to work. I tend to feel that if you do all this you will lose weight anyways. In hypnosis we help you to achieve similar results. No painful needles. No side effects. We establish the foundation of overeating on which we can build up. If you are considering healthy weight loss, it is a process. It takes time and support.
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