i-hypnosis Pamela Hewstone DHyp PDCHyp MBSCH Clinical Hypnotherapist

The Virtual Weight Loss Jab is a new metaphoric approach to weight loss that’s emerging as a ground breaking technique. It’s a similar approach to the Hypno-Band, the Virtual Gastric Band hypnosis weight loss programme with which I have helped many patients over the years.

It is a fully rounded weight loss programme, and by utilising the power of the mind can potentially bring about all the benefits of the actual weight loss jab, whilst also helping to make realistic lifestyle changes required to lose weight, like helping with cravings, eliminating certain foods and increasing motivation to exercise. The Emotional Content of the eating issue is addressed whilst the technique is tailored to a patient’s specific needs and requirements. The actual jab regulates portion control by suppressing appetite but doesn’t address any of the other issues that impact on a patient’s weight.

The Virtual Weight Loss Jab can maintain weight loss without any of the potential side effects of the actual weight loss jab, and those side effects can be nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, headaches, possible risk of thyroid cancer and it has recently been connected to suicidal thoughts and self harm.

The Virtual Weight Loss Jab technique may be used with someone wanting to lose 2 stone or more.

The actual weight loss jab is given to someone, on the NHS, with a BMI of 35 and over and with at least 2 health issues, and will not be as effective unless on a low calorie, healthy eating diet and exercise programme. The Regulator states the drug is NOT to be taken for more than 2 years and that weight may be regained after stopping the drug.

The actual weight loss jab may be given on the NHS to someone with a BMI of 40 and with 4 out of 5 weight related long term conditions. NHS waiting times for the weight loss injections can range from several months to a few years. Some current drugs like Wegovy are limited to a maximum of 2 years on the NHS while others like Mounjaro may be longer as long as you tolerate the side effects. Ultimately the duration depends on your doctor's recommendation and whether the medication is safe for you. You are likely to regain weight if you stop using it without making lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

That is where hypnosis can step in when used in conjunction with the actual jab. It can be used tohelp people reprogramme their relationship with food and maintain healthy habits naturally whilst using the jab. When people start thinking differently about food and exercise their habits change effortlessly, so when they come off the jab they maintain their weight loss comfortably.

Self-Hypnosis is taught and used by the patient for a few minutes every day to maintain changes achieved in therapy and maintain future changes.