When clients come to see me for weight loss I believe that they are coming because they really want to tone up and shape up their body, so that when they look in the mirror they get a good feeling of well-being.  Therefore I focus their attention on weight management rather than weight loss.

The one fundamental question I ask all clients who come to me for weight loss is:

“If you could look in the mirror and see the figure and shape that you desire right now – but still weighed the same as you are now – would your weight be a problem?”

Every time I have ask this question the answer I always receive back is a resounding “NO”

There are many reasons why a person gains weight and then allows it gets out of control.  Some of these reasons are as follows; Genetic, Age, Gender, Psychological Factors (emotional problems, stress or depression), Pregnancy, Medications, Illness, Quitting Smoking (psychological problems).

The most important factor in weight control is; what we put in we get out.

So, if we put more into our body than it requires, it will simple store the excess as fat.

If we do not put in enough into our body it will go into survival mode, which means that any food you eat will then be stored creating a fat reserve for the lean times.

However, if we put in just what the body needs then we will maintain the balance with in our body for stability and harmony.

Weight Control – if you are viewing this page then either yourself or a loved one has reached the point where there is an excess amount of weight to be removed.  The only real way to deal with such a situation is to eat 3 to 5 times a day, drink lots of water and putting less food into your body than it needs so that it will have to use the excess body fat to maintain its energy level through out the day (read my published article on weight loss).

The key to maintaining a healthy weight or to successfully tone up and shape up (attaining successful weight loss) is a healthy eating habit coupled with regular exercise.  Saying that, sometimes people still find themselves in need of a little extra help and Hypnotherapy is the ideal tool to support such a weight management regime.  As well as hypnotherapy providing the psychological tools needed to help you identify and achieve your ideal weight, we will also monitor, support and work with you until you achieve your goal.

Medical cause of obesity - nhs, ncbi, webmd

As well as weight management to tone up and shape up there are two other areas of weight control that I feel is important and necessary to mention; they are anorexia and bulimia nervosa.

Anorexia Nervosa - is an illness developed due to anxiety about body shape and weight which, comes from a fear of getting fat or wanting to be thin.  This causes people to keep their body weight low by dieting, vomiting or excessively exercising.

Anorexia suffers view of themselves are often far different from how other people see them.  They also have a tendency to fight against any idea that is related to them having to put on weight.  To those suffering from anorexia nervosa weight loss is a positive result that can help increase confidence and self-esteem.  It can also contribute to a feeling of having control over ones body weight and shape.

This is a serious condition that can cause severe physical problems from the effects of starving the body.  Problems such as loss of muscle strength, reduced bone strength in women and girls, stopping the periods of older girls and women, and the men can suffer from a lack of interest in sex or impotency.

It can also affect relationships with family and friends, cause withdrawal, and impact school or workplace performance.  People with this condition do not generally seek help because they either won't acknowledge or recognise the seriousness of the physical and emotional consequences of their condition.  This condition can be even more devastating in children an young people.

More about anorexia - Helpguide

Dangers of anorexia - Here

Anorexia nervosa - FAQ

Bulimia Nervosa - is an illness where the suffer feels that they have lost control of their eating, unlike anorexia nervosa where they evaluate themselves according to their body shape and weight hence, control is the key for them.  In some instances bulimia nervosa maybe developed from anorexia nervosa, but not in all cases.  People with bulimia nervosa are caught in a cycle of eating large quantities of food (called 'binge eating'), and then vomiting, taking laxatives and diuretics (called 'purging'), or exercising and fasting, in order to prevent gaining weight.  It may lead to difficulties in relationships and social situations as such behaviour can dominate their daily life.  They are secretive and usually hide their behaviour easily from others, as their weight generally remains normal.  They also tend not to seek help or support.