Psychology, Hypnotherapy, Mind-Body & Obesity - Part 1
Obesity has reached epidemic levels in Canada, the US and around the world. Did you know that:
Almost 2 in 3 adults and 1 in 3 children and youth are overweight or living with obesity in Canada and about 75% of people in the U.S. are obese?
Obesity increases the risk for several chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer?
Obesity is associated with a significant psychosocial burden, many individuals who have obesity also struggle with issues related to their mood, self-esteem, quality of life, and body image?
Clearly, something isn’t working and if we want to have more health, vitality, longevity and joy in life, obesity needs to be addressed!
The Importance of Psychology in Weight Loss: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection
When most think of weight loss, they focus on diet and exercise (or medication) as the keys to success. While these factors (minus the meds in most cases) are essential, they are only part of the issue.
The role of psychology, beliefs and mind set in weight loss is just as crucial and often overlooked. Understanding how our thoughts, emotions, beliefs and behaviours affect our eating habits, exercise routines, and weight loss goals can significantly improve the chances of long-term success.
The Mind-Body Connection
Psychology and weight loss are linked – the mind has a powerful influence on the body. Our beliefs, our motivation and our relationship with food can determine whether we succeed or fail in our weight loss journey.
And, our attitudes, self-esteem and emotional well-being have a direct impact on our health decisions.
Research has consistently shown that successful weight loss requires more than just physical effort. Behavioural science and psychology play a key role in helping people adopt lasting changes.
Emotional Eating: A Key Psychological Barrier
One of the most significant challenges in weight loss is emotional eating. Many of my clients reported eating, and eating certain foods not because they are hungry, but because they are trying to cope with emotions such as: stress, sadness, boredom or anxiety.
Once we go into hypnosis and uncover the root cause of addictive or unhealthy eating patterns, the subconscious mind tells an even deeper story of why clients are binge-eating.
Psychological interventions, such as clinical hypnotherapy, Rapid Transformational Therapy®, mindfulness-based techniques and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), are increasingly being used to help individuals identify the emotional triggers that lead to overeating.
In the words of one recent Kick-Start Natural Weight Loss in 30 Days client:
“Before the RTT® session started, Lynn led me through a conversation about envisioning what my goals are with weight loss and what those goals would look like when achieved and how that would feel.
Just slowing down and actually focussing deeply on what I do want instead of what I don’t want and taking the time to really dive into that helped me to go beyond more surface-level thinking and really connect more with my motivation. And, it felt good to slow down and take time to really reflect.
During the RTT® session, I felt really relaxed and calm which enabled me to uncover what’s currently blocking me and holding me back from getting back to my weight maintenance routine.
I’m so excited to listen to my recording for the next few weeks. Having uncovered the subconscious issue holding me back is already making me feel lighter. This session is the best thing I’ve done for myself in months!”
Obesity, inflammation, joint pain, binge and emotional eating, lack of joyful movement and heavy psychological burdens plague far too many people of ALL ages in our culture today.
If any of the following sounds all too familiar:
I have tried everything, and I just can’t seem to shed weight.
It’s normal to feel tired and gain weight as I age.
I can’t stop snacking and I don’t know why.
Then reach out, check out this amazing program and stay tuned for the next part of this series!
To your health, vitality and joy!
Lynn C. Cox, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Calgary’s Premiere Rapid Transformational Therapist®.