This trending technique claims to turn you into a fat-burning machine

While hypnotism might immediately make you think of people under a strange spell clucking like chickens against their own will, the enigmatic practice has recently entered the health world with gusto.

It’s all thanks to UK hypnotherapist and personal trainer Rory Z Fulcher whose book Hypno-Fasting is creating some serious buzz.

So why have hypnotherapy and intermittent fasting been bundled together in what is seemingly a very odd pairing? According to Rory, hypnosis is actually a completely “normal, natural state of mind” that can “help people easily lose weight and keep it off permanently”.

“Hypno-Fasting (and hypnosis generally) isn't magic or mind-control… it's simply a different brainwave state,” he explains.

“Unlike in the media, where hypnosis is portrayed as 'blacking out', hypnosis actually allows you to become very focused, to the point where all other distractions can begin to become less important.”

Hypno-Fasting essentially uses the psychological tricks and techniques of hypnotherapy to help you maintain your intermittent fasting efforts (think, the 5:2 diet). There’s no denying the benefits of fasting. Research has proven it has the potential to reduce biomarkers of disease. It’s been shown to improve brain focus and memory and it can activate “autophagy”, the process by which your cells get rid of waste material and undergo repair. Then there’s the big one - it can assist with weight management, too.

While intermittent fasting has some scientifically proven health benefits, is there any evidence hypnotherapy actually works when it comes to weight loss?

Joyce Haddad, founder and director of A Dietitian's Mission and Chairperson of the Dietitians Association of Australia, says that while it could potentially aid weight loss, it’s not a “quick fix method”.

“Research on hypnosis as a stand-alone treatment has found inconclusive results. A 2005 meta-analysis of 36 studies found psychological therapies like cognitive behaviour therapy were predominantly useful when combined with dietary and exercise strategies; however, there has not been enough research conducted to allow a conclusion about the independent effect of other psychological approaches, like hypnotherapy,” explains Joyce.

While hypnosis has the potential to aid weight loss if used on a continual basis, Hypno-Fasting is not going to work for everyone.

“Individual characteristics like persistence, selflessness and openness have all been linked to higher hypnosis susceptibility. Whereas individuals who are not open to suggestion may find hypnotism less effective,” says Joyce.

If Hypno-Fasting is piquing your interest, it’s important to do your research before enlisting help. According to the The Australian Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy, hypnotherapy in Australia is an unregulated industry. All it requires to call yourself a “professional” is completing a 2-day non-accredited training course. Scary, right? Ensure the person you’re enlisting to assist you has the correct level of qualifications and insurance.

Your best bet if you’re concerned about your health?

Seek advice from a professional trained in nutrition or food psychology.

“Forget about ‘quick fixes’ and seek an assessment from an accredited or registered nutrition professional, like an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD). APDs are trained to personalise their dietary counselling to individuals, as they’re aware not everyone responds to the same approach,” explains Joyce.

“If individuals are interested in the psychological aspects to weight loss, it’s recommended they seek guidance from a weight-loss psychologist, particularly those who work closely with dietitians. Psychologists can help individuals find suitable methods to include in weight management programs, such as relaxation, mindfulness and even hypnotherapy.”

While we're on the topic, a dietitian reveals a practical guide to intermittent fasting here. Plus, the diet that claims to help you lose 4.5kg in just 3 days.

Edwina Carr Barraclough is a Sydney-based health and beauty writer and founder of consultancy, By Edwina. You can see more from her on Instagram here or Facebook here.

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