Previously submitted to: JMIR mHealth and uHealth (no longer under consideration since Apr 05, 2021)
Date Submitted: Jan 6, 2021
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Hypnotherapy for weight loss smartphone applications; a narrative review
ABSTRACT
Background:
Despite the current popularity and potential usage of mobile applications in promoting dietary behavior, hypnotherapy for weight loss applications are scarcely available and the credibility of information is of concern.
Objective:
The purpose of this review are to 1) provide up-to-date existing hypnotherapy apps focusing on weight reduction and 2) evaluate the features and information provided in the mobile apps.
Methods:
Google Play and Apple’s iTunes stores were searched for available applications related to the hypnotherapy targeting weight loss from 20 August 2020 to 20 September 2020. Only free, English apps were included. Apps in which the hypnotherapy was not utilized for weight loss or which contain no elements of hypnotherapy were not included.
Results:
Of 291 identified apps, 22 met the requirements for inclusion and were further reviewed. Fourteen of the apps (63.6%) focused on reducing calorie intake and limiting intake of fattening and sugary foods through hypnotic suggestions. Most apps delivered hypnotherapy via audio track (77.3%) and 68% enabled the session to be customized. More than 40% of apps developers claimed to have used a licensed hypnotherapist and 25% of apps contained disclaimers in the descriptions. Additionally, 31.8% of the classified apps earned high ratings from users (between 4 and 5 stars).
Conclusions:
Overall findings suggest that weight-loss hypnotherapy applications may be useful as an approach to assist conventional weight management strategies. However, several issues regarding the contents and credibility should be highlighted in order to improve the quality and substantiate the effectiveness of weight-loss hypnotherapy apps in future. Clinical Trial: MENTOR-MENTEE RESEARCH GRANT (UNISZA/2018/011/R0046-R001)
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