Study to investigate weight loss using “virtual gastric band” hypnotherapy compared to “relaxation” hypnotherapy and following a self directed diet.

ISRCTN ISRCTN69640604
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN69640604
Secondary identifying numbers N/A
Submission date
23/01/2012
Registration date
16/03/2012
Last edited
26/08/2016
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Nutritional, Metabolic, Endocrine
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data
Record updated in last year

Plain English Summary

Background and study aims
In the UK it has been reported that 1 in 4 UK adults are obese and a further about 4 in 10 of men and 3 in 10 women are overweight. Excess weight is an increasing problem both to the health of the nation and individuals who are struggling to lose weight. Scientists agree that to lose weight it is necessary to eat fewer calories than their body uses in everyday living. Unfortunately, for many people, this is difficult.Hypnotherapy is a commonly used process of hypnosis, making suggestions to a person for therapeutic (health benefits) purposes. ‘Virtual gastric band’ hypnotherapy involves mind management techniques designed to form a new set of eating habits and although reported to have a 95% success rate in helping individuals to lose weight, the treatment is not very well known and the results yet to be confirmed. This study aims to show whether the ‘virtual gastric band’ hypnotherapy technique is an effective method in helping people to lose weight. The study will be carried out by a qualified hypnotherapist and dietitian who are both experienced in supporting weight management.

Who can participate?
Participants in this study will have expressed an interest in wanting to lose weight and will have not lost more than 5% of body weight in the last 6 months. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement calculated using height and weight and is good way of checking if a person is of a healthy weight. In this study participants will need to have a BMI of over 27 which indicates that they are in the overweight category. They will not have been taking any medication for any chronic condition or any medications that may cause an increase or decrease in weight [e.g. steroids, beta blockers and diuretics (water tablets)]. They will also not have any history of eating disorders and have not experienced hypnotherapy for any other condition.

What does the study involve?
Once an individual has expressed an interest in taking part in the study, a patient information sheet will be sent. At least 7 days will be allowed between receiving the patient information sheet and attending the first visit. The first visit for all participants will be at 11 Salmon Grove, University of Hull, HU6 7SX. The nature of the study will be explained in depth and a health questionnaire will be completed where any past medical history and medication will be disclosed. Height and weight will be measured. Following this, participants will be asked to give informed consent and sign the consent form. Participants will then be allocated to either the group that will receive the ‘virtual gastric band’ hypnotherapy or the group that will receive the ‘relaxation’ hypnotherapy. This allocation will be decided by a specialised computer programme. The dates for both of the group sessions will be provided at this first visit. Participants must be able to attend all sessions.
The ‘virtual gastric band’ hypnotherapy group sessions will involve a number of mind management techniques. The aim is not to get the individual to think that they have had a gastric band operation, but to help them manage portion sizes and form a new set of habits, that they can live with that enables weight loss. Guidelines are also given to the participants to follow. These guidelines are mainly around goal setting, eating three meals a day, exercise and mindful eating.
During the relaxation hypnotherapy sessions, relaxation techniques will be taught. At the first session participants will receive a booklet to aid self directed weight loss.
For both groups there will be 4 sessions (Weeks 1 to 4) that will last approximately 1 hour held at weekly intervals. There will be one further refresher session at week 8. Weight will then be taken at each session and then at weeks 16 and week 24. These two final measurements of weight will be taken at 11 Salmon Grove.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The possible benefit of taking part in this study is that an individual may lose weight. The only possible risk is that an individual may be upset if weight loss does not occur.

Where is the study run from?
All of the hypnotherapy group sessions will be held in the seminar room at the Sports Centre, University of Hull.

When is study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The study started in March 2012 and will last for 6 months.

Who is funding the study?
The funding is provided by the Humber Obesity Nutrition Education and Innovation (HONEI) project, University of Hull.

Who is the main contact?
Claire Whitham
Claire.Whitham@hey.nhs.uk

Contact information

Prof Stephen Atkin
Scientific

Head of Academic Diabetes
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Michael White Diabetes Centre
Hull Royal Infirmary
Anlaby Road
Hull
HU3 2RW
United Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)1482 675312
Email stephen.atkin@hyms.ac.uk

Study information

Study designRandomised open labelled parallel trial
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Other
Study typeTreatment
Participant information sheet Not available in web format, please use the contact details below to request a patient information sheet
Scientific titleA pilot study to investigate weight loss using “virtual gastric band” hypnotherapy compared to “relaxation” hypnotherapy and following a self directed diet.
Study hypothesisThis pilot study aims to show whether the ‘virtual gastric band’ technique is a useful therapy in weight management compared to relaxation hypnotherapy and a self directed diet.

Please note that as of 14/08/2012, patient recruitment for this study is complete.
Ethics approval(s)Hull York Medical School Ethics Committee, 16/01/2012
ConditionOverweight and obesity
Intervention‘Virtual gastric band’ hypnotherapy technique

Once an individual has expressed an interest in taking part in the trial, a patient information sheet will be sent. At least 7 days will be allowed between receiving the patient information sheet and attending the first visit.

The first visit for all participants will be at the University of Hull, 11 Salmon Grove, Hull, HU6 7SX. The nature of the study will be explained in depth and a health questionnaire will be completed where any past medical history and medication will be disclosed. Height and weight will be measured. If fulfilling all of the inclusion and exclusion criteria participants will be asked to give informed consent and sign the consent form.

Participants will then be allocated to either the group that will receive the ‘virtual gastric band’ hypnotherapy or the group that will receive the ‘relaxation’ hypnotherapy. This allocation will be decided by a specialised computer programme.

The dates for both of the group sessions will be provided at this first visit. Participants must be able to attend all sessions.

The ‘virtual gastric band’ hypnotherapy group sessions will involve a number of mind management techniques. The aim is not to get the individual to think that they have had a gastric band operation, but to help them manage portion sizes and form a new set of habits, that they can live with that enables weight loss. Guidelines are also given for the client to follow. These guidelines are mainly around goal setting, eating three meals a day, exercise and mindful eating.

During the relaxation hypnotherapy sessions, relaxation techniques will be taught. At the first session participants will receive a booklet to aid self directed weight loss.
For both groups there will be 4 sessions (Weeks 1 to 4) that will last approximately 1 hour held at weekly intervals. There will be one further refresher session at week 8. Weight will then be taken at each session and then at weeks 16 and week 24.
Intervention typeOther
Primary outcome measureInvestigate the effect of the ‘virtual gastric band’ hypnotherapy technique on weight loss in healthy overweight adults, compared to weight loss from relaxation hypnotherapy and a self directed diet
Secondary outcome measuresNo secondary outcome measures
Overall study start date13/03/2012
Overall study end date13/10/2012

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
SexBoth
Target number of participants30
Participant inclusion criteria1. BMI over 27
2. Over the age of 18
3. Having obtained his/her informed assent
4. Having obtained his/her consent
5. Willing to allow their GP to be informed about their participation in the trial
6. Willing to try and lose weight
Participant exclusion criteria1. On any weight loss programme
2. Under medical management for being overweight or any other condition
3. Prescribed any medication for a chronic condition
4. Excessive alcohol or recreational drug use
5. Pregnancy
6. Acute illness
7. Any history of eating disorders
8. Previous experience of hypnotherapy for any purpose
Recruitment start date13/03/2012
Recruitment end date13/10/2012

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • England
  • United Kingdom

Study participating centre

Head of Academic Diabetes
Hull
HU3 2RW
United Kingdom

Sponsor information

University of Hull (UK)
University/education

Cottingham Road
Hull
HU6 7RX
England
United Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)1482 305200
Email honei@hull.ac.uk
Website http://www2.hull.ac.uk/
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/04nkhwh30

Funders

Funder type

University/education

University of Hull (UK) - HONEI Project

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot provided at time of registration
Publication and dissemination planNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan

Editorial Notes

26/08/2016: No publications found, verifying study status with principal investigator