Hypnosis for Weight loss and the neuroscience
Combining hypnosis and neuroscience for weight loss
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in using hypnosis as a tool to support weight loss efforts and neuroscience has shed light on how hypnosis can potentially affect our behaviours and habits.
Hypnosis is a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, where individuals become more open to suggestions that can influence their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. In the context of weight loss, hypnosis can be used to target specific behaviors and habits that contribute to thoughts about eating, overeating or unhealthy eating patterns.
From a neuroscience perspective:
Hypnosis has been shown to influence brain activity and neural pathways associated with behaviour change. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have demonstrated changes in brain activity during hypnosis, particularly in regions involved in attention, perception and self-awareness. These changes may help individuals become more receptive to suggestions aimed at promoting healthier eating habits and lifestyle choices.
Neuroscience Meets Subconscious Repatterning
• Hypnosis activates the anterior cingulate cortex and prefrontal cortex, enhancing control and reducing compulsive behaviour (Spiegel)
• VGB protocols use visualisation, identity anchoring and emotional reframing to shift eating patterns
• Breathwork and body awareness engage the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress-driven eating (Huberman)
One way hypnosis can aid in weight loss is by targeting the subconscious mind, where deeply ingrained beliefs and behaviours reside. By accessing the subconscious, hypnosis can help individuals identify and address underlying issues that may be contributing to weight gain, such as emotional eating, stress or low self-esteem.
Hypnosis can be used to reframe negative thought patterns and beliefs about food, exercise and body image.
What Is Virtual Gastric Band Hypnosis?
VGB hypnosis is a non-surgical technique that uses subconscious suggestion to simulate the effects of gastric band surgery. The brain is guided to believe the stomach is smaller, leading to reduced intake and increased satiety without physical intervention.
Benefits of Virtual Gastric Band Hypnosis
Virtual Gastric Band (VGB) hypnosis offers a gentle, neuroscience-informed pathway to weight loss without the risks or rigidity of surgery.
The Benefits include:
• Non-Invasive Support: No surgical procedures, no recovery time, just safe, subconscious reprogramming.
• Accessible & Affordable: A fraction of the cost of gastric band surgery, with no hospital fees or downtime.
• Low Risk, High Comfort: Minimal physical side effects and a calm, emotionally attuned experience.
• Sustainable Change: Encourages long-term behavioural shifts, not short-term restriction, supporting lasting weight release.
• Emotional & Mental Clarity: Helps reduce anxiety, improve self-worth and restore a sense of control around food and body image.
What a Weight Loss Hypnotherapy Session Looks Like
Every Leaner and Stronger session is a gentle, neuroscience-informed experience designed to help you shift subconscious patterns, restore clarity and reconnect with your body’s wisdom. Whether you're exploring Virtual Gastric Band hypnosis or emotional eating triggers, each session is tailored to your unique rhythm.
1. Initial Intake & Emotional Mapping
We begin with a warm, confidential conversation to explore:
Your relationship with food, body image and weight
Emotional eating patterns and subconscious triggers
Past dieting experiences and inherited beliefs
Stress, sleep and nervous system regulation
Any relevant medical history or diagnoses
This intake isn’t just data, it’s a compassionate decoding of the loops that drive behaviour.
2. Hypnotic Induction
You’re gently, yet intentionally guided into a relaxed, focused hypnotic state using:
Breathwork to activate the parasympathetic nervous system
Hypnosis, mindfulness techniques and body awareness to shift neural states
Focused and calming language to engage subconscious receptivity
This state is similar to deep daydreaming or deep meditation, You can be assured that Angela provides a safe Hypnosis space for you to feel empowered.
3. Virtual Gastric Band Protocol (Optional)
If selected, this protocol uses hypnosis and subconscious suggestion to simulate the effects of gastric band surgery. Your brain is invited to believe the stomach is smaller, leading to:
Reduced portion sizes
Increased satiety (feeling fuller)
Natural aversion to overeating
Reframing food as nourishment, not comfort
This technique is non-invasive, emotionally attuned and supported by clinical research.
4. Subconscious Repatterning
Beyond VGB, sessions may include:
Reframing emotional eating triggers
Anchoring new identity beliefs (e.g., “I am strong, clear and in control”)
Releasing inherited shame or scarcity around food
Installing visual anchors and affirmations for daily use
This is where the real transformation happensd, eep within the subconscious mind.
5. Self-Regulation Tools & Integration
You’ll receive practical tools to support change between sessions:
Breath-based regulation for cravings and stress
Visual anchors (e.g., hand gestures, affirmations)
Emotional tracking prompts
Optional journaling or ritual suggestions
These tools help reinforce neural shifts and build emotional resilience.
6. Follow-Up & Support
Follow-up sessions or coaching calls are available to:
Reinforce subconscious changes
Address new emotional layers
Celebrate progress and recalibrate goals
Angela’s approach is strengths-based, trauma-informed and always tailored to your rhythm.
Research Highlights
• A pilot study at the University of Hull found VGB hypnosis led to sustained weight loss and behavioural change over 6 months
• Reviews show VGB hypnosis improves motivation, craving control, and emotional wellbeing
Overall, the combination of hypnosis and neuroscience offers an exciting addition to supporting weight loss efforts by tapping into the power of the mind to foster positive behaviour change and promote long-term success.
Consistent effort and mindfulness-based Hypnosis provide an excellent platform for a life free of the blocks around body image, strengthening the body and nurturing and nourishing the Body for a positve relationship.
Disclaimer: It's essential to note that while hypnosis can be a valuable tool for weight loss, it is not a magic solution on its own. .
Additionally, individual responses to hypnosis can vary, so it's essential to work with a qualified hypnotherapist who can tailor the sessions to your specific needs and goals.
Through repeated sessions, individuals can reinforce positive attitudes and associations with healthy behaviours, making it easier to adopt and maintain a balanced approach to eating and exercise.
It works best when combined with other evidence-based strategies, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise and behavioural therapies such as Clinical Hypnotherapy.
Book your Virtual Gastric Band program or individualised Hypnotherapy sessions in person or online today!
