The feasibility and acceptability of hypnotherapy among overweight and obese individuals in a Malaysia’s public university
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Nurul Afiedia Roslim
, Aryati Ahmad
Abstract
Objectives
The global epidemic of overweight and obesity presents a major challenge in the health status of the society. Their prevalence is at an alarming rate worldwide due to poor compliance with conventional treatment and high rates of relapse, thus increasing demand for an effective and safe alternative approach such as hypnotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of hypnotherapy for weight loss and to compare these among selected socio-demographics.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 students and staff of a public university in Terengganu, Malaysia using convenience sampling. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 23.0.
Results
Among the respondents (age = 26.17 ± 8.23 years; female = 66.7%; students = 63.3%), 40.0% were overweight and 60.0% were obese. Results indicated excellent feasibility as determined by participants’ satisfaction towards the clarity of hypnotherapist’s voice (93.3%), the suitability of content (86.7%) and time spent for the session (90.0%). Good overall acceptability (>60.0%) was also reported regarding hypnotherapist professionalism, the environment and perceived usefulness of hypnotherapy. Obese individuals were significantly more satisfied towards the hypnotherapist environment than overweight respondents (p=0.015). Additionally, no adverse effects were reported after the intervention.
Conclusions
This evidence signalled that hypnotherapy is a promising alternative tool in assisting overweight and obese individuals to lose weight. Extensive research is needed to substantiate its role in weight management programs for its full benefits.
Funding source: Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin
Award Identifier / Grant number: R0046-R001
Acknowledgement
We would like to thank the director of Arts and Heritage Center in UniSZA for giving permission to conduct this research at their recital hall and all the participants who had been involved in this study. This paper was also dedicated to our team member, the late Madam Haszalina binti Hassan who had passed away on 15th March 2020.
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Research funding: This study was funded by a research grant from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin – UNISZA Mentor Mentee Research Grant R0046-R001.
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Author contributions: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submissions.
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Competing interests: The funding organization(s) played no role in the study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the report for publication.
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Ethical approval: The authors confirm that all the research meets the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements of the study country.
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- A spatial-temporal study of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by type: exploring localization economies implications in urban areas in Ontario
- Complementary and alternative interventions for stroke recovery – a narrative overview of the published evidence
- The feasibility and acceptability of hypnotherapy among overweight and obese individuals in a Malaysia’s public university
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Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Reviews
- ‘Ilāj bi’l-Tadbīr (regimenal therapy): a core mode of Unani treatment
- Understanding hormones in terms of humours (Akhlat) in Unani system of medicine
- Review Articles
- Understanding Humma-e-Wabai (epidemic fever) and Amraz-e-Wabai (epidemic disease) in the light of Unani medicine
- Emergence of antimicrobial resistance and magnitude of Unani medicine – scope and challenges
- Medicinal importance of Papra (Podophyllum hexandrum Royle) in Unani System of Medicine
- Research Articles
- Comparative effects of berberine and piperine on the neuroprotective potential of neostigmine
- Neera, a non-fermented traditional drink from coconut spadix restores the redox status in sodium fluoride intoxicated mice
- Evaluation of wound healing potential of Bhallatakadi Ghrita – cow ghee based polyherbal formulation: in-vivo excision and incision wound model
- Effects of co-administration of Unani pharmacopoeia formulations Qurs Tabasheer Sartani and Arq Hara Bhara with CAT-I antitubercular drugs in rats
- Neurotoxicity of organic solvents with emphasis on the role of iron
- Regular consumption of “Nkui”, a Cameroonian traditional dish, may protect against cardiovascular and bone disorders in an estrogen deficiency condition
- A spatial-temporal study of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by type: exploring localization economies implications in urban areas in Ontario
- Complementary and alternative interventions for stroke recovery – a narrative overview of the published evidence
- The feasibility and acceptability of hypnotherapy among overweight and obese individuals in a Malaysia’s public university
- Effectiveness of wet cupping therapy on relieving pain in patients with chronic migraine: an observational study
- Effect of aromatherapy massage by orange essential oil on post-cesarean anxiety: a randomized clinical trial
- Effect of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) on daytime and situational sleep propensity in novice practitioners: a prospective cohort study
- Comparison of instability resistance training, traditional resistance training and plyometric training on athletic performance parameters
- Individualized homeopathic medicines and Urtica urens mother tincture in treatment of hyperuricemia: an open, randomized, pragmatic, pilot trial
- Association of microsomal epoxide hydrolase gene (fast genotype) with lung functions impairment in wood workers
- Dietary glycine improves urine storage symptoms in urology outpatients
- Hypoxia-induced oxidative stress in high altitude population: impact of coenzyme Q10 supplementation
- Short Communications
- Terminalia arjuna induced testicular assault through Leydig cell derangement: an in vitro approach
- Effect of acupuncture on cognitive task performance of college students: a pilot study
- Yoga for children in the new normal – experience sharing
- Effect of Arogya Raksha Panchatantra (five lifestyle principles) on hematological parameters and anthropometric measures among healthy volunteers: a pilot study
- Case Reports
- Yellow phosphorous ingestion cause liver dysfunction and internal bleeding: a case study
- Effect of yoga on plasma glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure and insulin requirement in a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus
- Management of Vipadika with Mahisha Gritha Padanimajjana – a case report