Danish hypnotist Jan Hellesøe has gone viral in Denmark with his latest weight loss hypnosis video.
With more than half a million views, the internet is buzzing — but what does science actually say?
The hypnosis video went viral in weeks
Jan Hellesøe’s weight loss hypnosis video exploded online.
Starting with 156,000 views, the number quickly climbed past 500,000, and comment sections are filled with users claiming they’ve lost weight or stopped craving sugar.
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Hypnosis doesn’t directly burn fat
According to Jan Hellesøe, hypnosis doesn’t cause weight loss by itself.
Instead, it’s a tool that helps the brain adopt new behaviors and healthier lifestyle choices that can eventually lead to shedding kilos.
Science supports the idea
Bobby Zachariae, professor at Aarhus University Hospital and the Department of Psychology at Aarhus University in Denmark, highlights that solid research backs this approach.
A 2018 meta-analysis showed that participants who received hypnosis lost more weight than 94 % of those who only received conventional guidance.
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Hypnosis works best with therapy
The meta-analysis revealed that combining hypnosis with cognitive behavioral therapy is far more effective.
After 12 weeks, the group receiving both had lost an average of 5.37 kg, compared to 2.72 kg in the therapy-only group.
Not everyone is equally hypnotizable
The effectiveness of hypnosis depends partly on how easily someone can be hypnotized.
Research shows that 10–15 % of people are highly susceptible, 65–70 % are moderately susceptible, and 15–20 % are minimally or not at all responsive.
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Changing how food tastes
A core technique in Jan Hellesøe’s video involves mentally altering your perception of food.
Viewers imagine unhealthy food tasting unpleasant, which can influence how the brain reacts to cravings and reduce the desire for sweets or snacks.
Jan Hellesøe uses mental imagery in three steps
The video walks users through three key steps: First, associating unhealthy food with disgust; second, deciding to live healthier; and finally, visualizing the pride of having made that choice.
These emotional anchors help reinforce new habits.
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Hypnosis opens a backdoor to your brain
In hypnosis, the mind becomes more receptive.
As Bobby Zachariae explains, we lower our critical thinking and become more open to suggestions, which allows old, limiting thought patterns to be replaced with healthier ones.
Effects vary in duration
For some, one hypnosis session is enough to spark lasting change.
For others, consistent sessions are needed to maintain the effects. It’s a personal journey, and results differ from person to person.
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Hypnosis for quitting smoking?
While Jan Hellesøe previously created a hypnosis video to help people quit smoking, scientific support in that area is weaker.
Studies suggest high relapse rates unless hypnosis is combined with other interventions.
The article is based on information from Berlingske.dk.