Self-defeating eating has negative effects on the lives of a large number of people in western world. In Australia, obesity and overweight is on the rise, affecting twenty-five percent of children, and between thirty and fifty percent of adults. Both dietary restriction and over-indulgence in high fat, calorie laden foods with little nutrient value have a large negative impact on health of at least one half of the western world. Treatment options are inadequate, in terms of availability and efficacy. Of the programs currently available, cognitive behavioural techniques have the best empirical record and it appears that hypnosis may prove a useful adjunct to the treatment program.