Celebrities rave about hypnosis for weight loss

Hypnosis is a weight-loss treatment approved by the American Psychiatric Association. It has been used for everything from quitting smoking to staying away from certain foods. But how effective is it? We talked to several hypnotherapists to find out.

When asked how she got in killer shape for her new movie "X-Men: Apocalypse," actress Olivia Munn said it all had to do with hypnosis. In a matter of three days the 35-year-old went from hating the thought of working out to hitting the gym every day at 6 a.m., she says.

Munn joins a list of celebrities including Reese Witherspoon, Fergie, and Orlando Bloom who have turned to hypnosis to overcome weight issues.

Patricia Folan, director of the Center for Tobacco Control at North Shore-LIJ Health System, says hypnosis is a technique to help people relax.

Hypnosis also relies on focus and setting boundaries to help patients get what they want.

Hypnotist Marc Carlin uses what he calls the virtual gastric band, training patients through hypnosis to eat smaller portions. 

But Folan says hypnotism on its own doesn't work. Instead, it should be used as one part of a bigger plan to achieve your goals.