Tubby NHS staff are using hypnosis therapy in new trial to lose weight

TUBBY NHS workers are being put in a trance by hypnotherapists in a trial to lose weight – listening to 9-minute tapes each day for 12 weeks telling them things such as ‘eat less sugary food’.

Scores of doctors, nurses and other hospital staff are halfway through a 12-week trial of the unusual slimming approach.

It contains simple messages that “retrain the brain” and make junk food less appetising.

And it could be rolled out across the NHS if the trial proves a success.

Experts claim it gives overweight adults the power to say “no” and ditch unhealthy snacks, and is backed up by weekly video coaching.

Sandra Roycroft-Davis, a Harley Street behavioural change specialist, is the creator of Slimpod programme.

She has donated it for free to Tameside Hospital in Greater Manchester as part of the NHS trial - with the results set to be reported back to the Department of Health.

Around 700,000 doctors, nurses and other UK health staff are too fat.

Ms Roycroft-Davis said: “It is a pilot. But if it works, we hope to roll it in hospitals across the NHS. That is the dream.

“The programme contains specific messages that prompt people to notice the healthier choices and nudge them away from unhealthy foods.

“Basically, people lose interest in sugar. People don’t even realise they are being health, that’s the key.

As well as helping NHS staff to slim down, Ms Roycroft-Davis hopes it will inspire patients to follow suit.

She claims 95 per cent of those on their programme successfully lose weight. Earlier trials found the average slimmer shed 18 pounds.

Karen James, Chief Executive of Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Looking after the health and welfare of our colleagues directly contributes to the delivery of quality patient care.

“I am delighted we have been chosen to trial this three-month project on behalf of the NHS, and look forward to sharing our experiences with others across the country.”

Being too heavy increases the chances of type 2 diabetes, heart, liver disease and several common cancers.

Last year, NHS bosses revealed plans to offer overweight doctors and nurses Zumba classes and yoga as part of a £600 million fat-fighting scheme.

Under the radical plans, hospitals and GP practices were promised get extra taxpayers’ cash for improving staff health.

Staff absence due to poor health costs the health service a staggering £2.4 billion a year.

Tam Fry, from the National Obesity Forum, said: “This really is mind over matter. The NHS are right to look at this kind of innovative technology.

“And if it works, they should certainly roll it out across the health service.”