A 1986 study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, worked with 60 women between the ages of 20-65 coming from different family, education and socioeconomic backgrounds. Once again, subjects were divided into a hypnosis group and a non-hypnosis one. After the 6-month study duration, the hypnosis group shed an average of 17 pounds while the non-hypnosis subjects’ weight loss averaged only ½ pound.

A 1996 meta-analysis (when researchers correlate the results of multiple studies and are usually considered more reliable than individual studies), published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, studied the effect of adding hypnosis for weight reduction. The study confirmed that the average weight loss in the short term for people without hypnosis was at 6 pounds and for those with hypnosis at 11.83 pounds. A whopping 100% (almost) increase in effectiveness! Even more compelling, long term results for the non-hypnosis group stayed at the same 6 pounds but changed to 14.88 pounds for those using hypnotherapy, showing that hypnosis continues to have a positive effect over time.

Another 1996 meta-analysis, also published in the Journal of Consulting Clinical Psychology, looked at 18 studies comparing a cognitive behavioral therapy, such as relaxation training, guided imagery, self-monitoring or goal setting with the same therapy supplemented by hypnosis. Those who received the hypnosis lost more weight than 90 percent of the non-hypnosis participants, and maintained the weight loss two years after treatment ended.