Hypnosis refers to the act of inducing a trance state of deep relaxation, and heightened awareness. Usually, a qualified hypnotherapist would guide a client into such a meditative frame of mind, for purposes of what can be called deep reprogramming. Self hypnosis for weight loss involves the same principles, except that here hypnotically induced reprogramming, accompanied by appropriate suggestions, are self induced.

Hypnotherapy has proven to be a safe and effective therapeutic procedure to help people change negative habits like gambling, procrastination, or smoking, for example. The key to its effectiveness lies in that it works with the subconscious part of the personality, which houses the blueprints or motives for much behaviour patterns. In a state of hypnotic induction, specific suggestions from the therapist, or the individual, helps to reprogram the mind to become susceptible to new, desired, empowering beliefs, thoughts, and motives.

Hypnotic self induction is only possible after having learned the proper procedure from a qualified professional, and having spent enough time rehearsing it. Individuals with no experience in generating hypnotic trances, but wish to employ this method for shedding excess fat, are thus better off consulting the appropriate professional first. This is the best way to ensure that the desired outcomes are achieved, and that the correct procedures are adhered to.

The essence of reprogramming the subconscious mind under self-created hypnotherapy lies in substituting habitual, self-defeating habits and beliefs with alternative, better ones. This can be achieved through making different, empowering, suggestions to the subconscious that are specific, and in line with one's behavioural change goals. It is also a matter of creating appropriate images, and visualizing many times what it would be like to be the new person one desires to be.

When it comes to losing extra fat through self-initiated hypnotherapy, the first step would be to make a list of the problem behavioural patterns and beliefs that contribute to being overweight. These might include overeating, consuming unhealthy foods, or impulsive eating, or even feelings of anxiety when under stress. For the process to work, it is important to have a clear idea of what the problematic, target beliefs and behaviours are, and what the alternative, wanted ones are, before going into a hypnotic state.

Here are examples of beliefs that might contribute to weight gain, and that could form the target for bringing about change while in an hypnotic state. 'Eating is good for stress release, ' or 'I will never have a slim body, so I might as well keep eating.' Actions one might wish to adopt and visualize to help solve the problem might include regular moderate exercise, consuming healthier foods, eating slowly, or learning to meditate to help with stress and anxiety.

Some people are under the impression that hypnotherapy is the same as engaging in fantasies to change unwanted behaviours. This is far from the truth, however. In itself, it is one of the most effective, concrete, specific, and powerful actions an individual could take to overcome problem behaviours and attitudes. For self-initiated hypnotherapy to be successful requires patience, consistent practice, and applying the correct procedure.

Hypnotherapy might not produce the desired results for everyone. Whether aided by a therapist, or created through one's own efforts, it does require consistent practice to achieve success. People that have managed to achieve the longed-for body shape and size through the process have been at it regularly, however.