Changing lifestyle habits require motivation, commitment, and an integrated program addressing multiple aspects simultaneously. One component of such an integrated program for habit change is hypnosis. For example, a review of research conducted at the University of Miami and the Miami VA Health Care System exploring complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities for weight reduction among aging populations suggest that when hypnosis is combined with nutritional consultation and exercise, additional weight loss of about 6 lbs. is realized. A review of research conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center on the effectiveness of hypnosis for smoking cessation concluded that multidimensional approaches that include hypnosis, nicotine replacement, and behavioral techniques may prove most effective. Additionally, research conducted at Scott & White Medical Center, Temple, Texas, found that 81% of patients referred by their physician to receive hypnosis for smoking cessation reported that they had stopped smoking, and 48% reported abstinence at 12 months post-treatment.

• Cherniack, E. P. Potential applications for alternative medicine to treat obesity in an aging population. Altern Med Rev. 2008 Mar, 13(1):34-42. Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami and the Miami VA Health Care System, Miami, FL, USA.
• Covino, N. A. & Bottari, M. Hypnosis, behavioral theory, and smoking cessation. J Dent Educ. 2001; 65(4):340-7. Department of Psychology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
• Elkins, G. R. and Rajab, M.H. Clinical hypnosis for smoking cessation: Preliminary results of a three-session intervention. Int J Clin Exper Hyp. 2004, 52(1):73-81. Texas A&M University System Health Science Center College of Medicine and Scott & White Clinic and Hospital, Temple, Texas, USA.
• Jayasinghe, H.B. Hypnosis in the management of alcohol dependence. Europ J Clin Hyp. 2005; 6(3):13-16. Founder of the British Association of Medical Hypnotherapists.