Hallucinatory Meal Under Hypnosis Impacts Appetite Regulation and Hormones in Postmenopausal Women

Appetite and food intake are governed by complex mechanisms involving both central (hypothalamic) and peripheral (gastrointestinal) signals. Dysregulation of these pathways contributes to conditions like obesity. Current interventions often target peripheral hormones or satiety signals. Understanding the brain's role, particularly how perception influences physiological responses, offers novel insights into appetite control beyond traditional pharmacological or dietary approaches, especially in populations like postmenopausal women experiencing metabolic shifts.

This pilot randomized-controlled cross-over trial investigated the effects of a hallucinatory meal induced by rapid hypnosis compared to a real meal in healthy postmenopausal women. Participants received the same breakfast either as a physical meal or as a hallucination under hypnosis. Researchers assessed subjective appetite sensation and measured blood levels of appetite-related hormones, aiming to understand the physiological impact of perceived food intake without actual consumption.