I hate shaving so I swapped it for hair removal creams all under £7 – a cult fave stank but a £2 buy will be my go-to
WE ALL know how annoying shaving can be.
While it's certainly one of the quickest and most popular ways to
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While shaving is the easiest and cheapest option, more often than not I end up with cuts on my legs
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
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From cheaper alternatives to cult favourites, I tested out five hair removal creams to see which ones are worth the hype
Credit: Superdrug
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Hair removal creams typically have that chemically scent - but not all of them will make your bathroom stink
Credit: Veet
From having to deal with cuts, bleeding all over the place, stubborn
Of course, you can also resort to
Meanwhile,
Luckily, there is a solution that's pain-free, not too costly and also easy to use - hair removal cream.
READ MORE ON BEAUTY
Also called depilatory creams, hair removal creams 'contain certain alkaline chemicals that safely react with the hair on your body,' as explained by hair removal brand Veet.
'They break down the keratin (the protein structure of your hair), causing it to weaken and dissolve.
''This leaves the hair in a jelly-like state, which can be easily wiped away with the cream.'
Another added bonus is that you also don't run the risk of being left with painful cuts all over your legs - which is a major plus for a gym girlie like me who spends most of her days in teeny shorts.
Most read in Fabulous
With the warmer season now here, find out which high street hair removal creams are worth your money - and the ones that did not live up to the hype.
Veet Expert Hair Removal Cream, £5.99
Veet is the first hair removal cream I ever tried as a young
Trolls call me a 'gorilla' & say I'll die alone all because I don't shave my armpits - I love it though and so does my boyfriend
The smell, which immediately took over the bathroom and made me gag.
Sadly, it seems that the brand hasn't changed the formula since I first discovered this summer essential more than a decade ago, as the pungent aroma hit my nostrils the moment I took the lid off.
As instructed by the packaging, I applied the thick cream onto my legs before letting it work its magic for the maximum of six minutes.
Once the time was up, I grabbed the plastic spatula and gently went over my legs, as I watched teeny bits of hair come off with it.
While I and more than 100 happy Boots customers can agree that our skin felt smoother than ever, it was quite challenging to tackle more tricky areas, such as the back of my legs.
The results were good - but the reek was too chemically for
Hair we go rating
: 3.5/5
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While I was happy with the results, the intense aroma is a big no-no
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
Fabulous' £10 Fake Tan Test
FINDING the perfect fake tan isn't easy. That's why Fabulous tested a number of fake tans which cost less than £10..
*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue
Superdrug Solait Self Tan Mousse Medium - £4.79 (was £5.99)
-
Buy Now
Tester: Abby Wilson, Senior Fabulous Digital Writer
Review: "This product give a very natural looking tan and if you wanted something a bit bolder, I'd suggest leaving it on longer or choosing a darker shade. I'm impressed with the results, but now my entire room stinks of the stuff. If you're on a budget and want a tan for last-minute plans, I would say this is one to try. "
bBold Dream Mousse Tan in Dark - £9.50
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Buy Now
Tester: Josie O'Brien, Senior Fabulous Digital Writer
Review: "The first thing that hit me about this tan was the 'juicy watermelon' scent - it's delicious. I was left with a natural bronze hue rather than orange glow. My only qualm is that the tan seemed to stick to my dry patches and accentuated 'strawberry skin' on my legs. I'm still adding this tan to my arsenal though - the smell, colour and texture are dreamy."
St Moriz Professional Medium Tanning Mousse - £4.99
- Buy Now
Tester: Kate Kulniece, Fabulous Writer
Review: "Not only does St. Moriz mousse leave you with a gorgeous bronzed glow, but it also smells fabulous - think Piña Colada on a sunny beach. At first, I was a little bit sceptical cause I'm a gradual fake tan girlie, but this quick developing St. Moriz number may change it all."
Boots Smooth Care Legs Hair Removal Cream, £3
While some reusable razors can set you back £10 or more, this
Infused with Aloe Vera and rich Shea butter, this Boots bargain is not just vegan-friendly but also cruelty-free - which is always a huge bonus.
Online, the wallet-friendly product has amassed a mixed bag of reviews - while some shoppers love it, others have dubbed it ''disappointing''.
Unlike the Veet version, this cream didn't have that signature hair removal stench that no amount of ventilation can get rid of - and I was also pleasantly surprised that despite the low price tag it left my legs
However, although the product has bold claims you won't need to shave for a whole week, I found my legs had the dreaded stubble just a few days later - but perhaps it's just my hair that grows at an exceptional speed.
Hair we go rating
: 4/5
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The cream claims you won't need to shave for a week - which, sadly, wasn't the case for me
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
Superdrug Limited Edition Hair Removal Cream, £4
If you like me can't stand the stink of hair removal creams, then this Superdrug bargain is the one for you - think of a refreshing watermelon cocktail on a hot day on the beach.
Setting you back less than a fiver,
After reading the mixed reviews online, I decided to leave it on for a total of ten minutes - as online shoppers warned the recommended seven minutes wasn't enough.
Perhaps my hair is naturally just too stubborn but I found the cream only removed smaller patches, so I went in with a follow-up layer afterwards and it did work.
Hair we go rating
: 3/5
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Perhaps my hair is too stubborn - but I needed a follow-up layer for the cream to work properly
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
Nair Moisturising Hair Removal Cream, £1.99
Like many cash-strapped Brits, I too am trying to save money wherever possible - and it will prove almost impossible to find a skincare product cheaper than
Marketed for all hair types on legs, body and the delicate bikini area, this Superdrug buy will set shoppers back a mere £1.99 - ideal for those on a strict budget.
Although I was slightly hesitant to use it at first and feared that pungent aroma, the purse-friendly product lived up to the rave reviews online.
Not only does it have a fresh floral scent but the cream is also moisturising and left my legs feeling soft and looking radiant - as if I was a
Unfortunately, if you're searching for a cream that will leave your body hair-free for a longer
But given the low price - the lowest I've seen - you can't really complain.
Hair we go rating
: 5/5
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This cream is the cheapest one I've seen so far and perfect if you're on a budget
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
WooWoo Tame It! Vegan In-Shower Hair Removal Cream, £6.99
Hate the faff of applying a cream and then spending ages going over with the mini spatula?
Then this
Made with soothing Aloe Vera and softening Jojoba Oil for the most delicate of skin, I was left wondering why I had waited so long to
Best of all? You only need to leave it for six minutes before hopping into the shower - it works brilliantly and won't torture your nostrils with a stench.
However, if you have thick and coarse hair, I'd recommend to not leave too long between applications.
Hair we go rating
: 5/5
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The cream works brilliantly and won't torture your nostrils with that strong chemical stench
Credit: supplied/kate kulniece
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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I was a victim of ‘Del Boy' of BBLs I am thrilled Katie Price's butt lift injector has been banned after I almost died
READING the news that her former surgeon Rick Sawyer has been banned cosmetic procedures Bonnie Louise Cooper felt a wave of relief sweep over her body. Sawyer, who gained notoriety performing the BBLs on Katie Price, will no longer be able to practice cosmetic surgery across England and Wales for three years after being slapped with the ban in Manchester Civil Court. 6 Bonnie-Louise Cooper fought for her life after having a BBL at one of Rick Sawyer's clinics Credit: Supplied 6 The mum-of-one contracted sepsis and is lucky to be alive Credit: Supplied He was exposed after a BBC documentary showed him using a rented office block in London to perform the potentially deadly procedure that left some victims, including Bonnie, hospitalised with deadly sepsis. Bonnie, 27, was one of the women whose evidence had been used to ensure the man she had dubbed an 'evil Del Boy,' was served with an injunction. Sawyer has been banned from conducting any procedures in England and Wales until 27 May 2028 after a court heard evidence his BBL procedure had exposed women to sepsis. The injunction also prohibits him from possessing related surgical equipment or any antibiotics typically used in such treatments, unless prescribed for his own personal use. Read More on Real Lives 'I can finally breathe again, Sawyer can no longer hurt any other women,' says Bonnie. 'I was left writing in agony and screaming in pain because of this procedure. 'I still need treatment for my injuries two years on. 'It's a huge relief and I know it's going to send a message to other so-called 'experts' who claim to be trained and licensed. Most read in Fabulous 'These people are evil Del Boys who inflict suffering on unwitting victims. 'I'd be dead if my sister hadn't called the ambulance and gotten me into hospital. Watch as Katie Price livestreams her bum filler op for shocked fans as TWO surgeons inject her on operating table 'My little boy would have been an orphan all because of one of Sawyer's liquid butt lifts.' Beautician Bonnie, lives in Swanage, Dorset is mum to five -year-old Kash and says she decided to have a liquid BBL in November 2023. 'I thought I was doing the right and responsible thing by choosing a British clinic, I was told it was the safest option,' she says. 'I chose the one used by Katie Price on London's elite Harley Street thinking it safe.' But the night before, Bonnie admits she was stunned when she received a text with the address of the practitioner's "second clinic" in Romford, Essex. 'I was assured this was normal,' she remembers. When Bonnie arrived, the mum was told the producer was 'entirely safe'. 'It was explained I was having 250 mils of filler injected into each buttock,' she says. 6 The mum had her bum injected with filler in the hope to get a pert bottom Credit: supplied 6 Katie Price has previously promoted Sawyer 6 More than 30 people have spoken to the BBC claiming Sawyer botched their procedures 'I was given some numbing cream, but I wasn't prepared for the pain of the cannula injection. 'I always thought that giving birth was the worst pain I had ever experienced but labour was nothing compared to this.' Bonnie says the procedure was done in a beauty salon style environment and she was told to stand rather than lie down for the injections. 'I was in shock after the procedure,' she admits. 'I tried to put on a brave face, I was told I was likely to feel a bit odd because of the numbing cream. 'I asked if I should drive home and was told it was fine. 'That didn't make sense to me. I'd just had half a litre of filler injected into my bum. 'I wasn't given any after care instructions and was sent home without antibiotics and by the time I got home, I was screaming in agony. 'I couldn't get out of the car, and I started to vomit and fainted trying to get into my house. 'I rang the clinic, and I was told that they would get antibiotics for me the next day and advised me to go to bed.' Bonnie's sister Lisa-Marie Hughes,32, a stay-at-home mum, visited her that night, and had she not Bonnie might not be alive. 'She found me delirious, sweating and in absolute agony,' Bonnie recalls. Bonnie was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with sepsis. She was given morphine regularly for the next four days and intravenous antibiotics to fight the injection. 'I had an emergency MRI scan, and it revealed the procedure had caused muscle damage,' Bonnie says. 'It was so serious I was given a referral to Salisbury Plastics for dissolving procedures.' It took almost five days before Bonnie was well enough to be sent home. 'I had to take two different types of antibiotics for another month and was still on painkillers two months later,' she says. 'The antibiotics promised by the clinic never arrived and I was never told, despite asking what type of filler they used. 'The hospital tried to call the salon, but they didn't answer. It was awful. 'I felt like I'd been thrown to the wolves. I was left with no aftercare and no follow up.' 'I have huge regrets, and I still worry about on-going long-term side effects. I hope this ban allows the victims to stand tall Bonnie Cooper 'It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. No one should ever have to experience that.' The standard surgical BBL involves the patient having fat harvested from their own body and re-injection into the buttock area. A non-invasive liquid BBL uses a range of dermal fillers including hyaluronic acid which is injected into each buttock using a large cannula to add volume. The liquid BBL is promoted as relatively pain free because the filler contains lidocaine, a local anaesthetic. While it seemed like the perfect option, two years on Bonnie is still suffering from her botched BBl. 'Two years on and I am still having physiotherapy on one of my legs to treat nerve damage two times a week,' she says. 'I have a shooting nerve in one leg. It's a constant reminder of what I suffered at the hands of Sawyer's clinics.' Bonnie is one of more than forty women used as evidence for the case for the self-styled 'celeb backed' expert to be banned. As part of the ban the Manchester Civil Court attached a power of arrest to the order, meaning Sawyer could be arrested without a warrant if he is found to be in breach of the terms. The court, together with Trafford Council, heard evidence which included a BBC documentary showing him working out of a rented office performing the procedures. The lawyer James Parry, who raised the case, said the injuries suffered were akin to that of a 'serious knife crime'. Sawyer, who is described as a beauty consultant, was found to be administering injections containing up to 1,000ml of dermal filler into clients' buttocks, without having a single healthcare qualification. What are Brazilian Butt Lifts and why are they so popular? Buttock enlargement surgery - known as a Brazilian butt-lift (BBL) - is used to make the bum look bigger, rounded and lifted. Surgeons transfer fat, inject filler or insert silicone-filled implants. It is the fastest growing cosmetic procedure but also one of the most dangerous, according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). Many patients are travelling to the likes of Turkey or seeking out unregistered surgeons in the UK and are not given full information on the risks. BBLs carry the highest risk of all cosmetic surgeries - with more than one death occurring per 4,000 procedures. Due to celebrities undergoing such ops, many women are hoping to emulate their looks. Consultant clinical psychologist Dr Anu Sayal-Bennett, a chartered member of the British Psychological Society, told Many people travel abroad for the procedure because it is cheaper and advertising is "terribly seductive", combined with the idea of a beach holiday, added Dr Sayal-Bennett. The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has welcomed the ban. Institute President, Mark Elliot, slamming the shocking and dangerous practices Mr Sawyer was found to have committed saying 'the regulatory framework has failed to keep pace with the increase in the prevalence of cosmetic procedures in recent years, fuelled by social media,' The Sawyer ban comes six weeks after socially 'irresponsible' adverts for liquid Brazilian butt lifts have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority in Britain. The Authority found a slew of promotional posts on Facebook and Instagram broke the rules - and featured time-limited discounts that could rush consumers into making decisions. It banned six BBL providers from using their ads in the current form again, finding they could pressure women into booking cosmetic surgery "without taking sufficient time to consider the consequences". According to the watchdog 'Undertaking cosmetic surgery should have been portrayed as a decision that required time and thought from consumers before proceeding, because of the risks involved. Some of the adverts featured before-and-after images of Brazilian butt lifts, with captions such as: "Get the curves and contours you've always wanted with our safe and effective body filler treatments.' Others urged potential customers to take advantage of an exclusive opportunity to get that perfect peachy look" - and warned "limited space" was available on certain days. Bonnie says the ban should be just the first step in a continued crackdown on so-called back street beauty consultants. 'I hope this ban allows the victims to stand tall,' she adds. Bonnie, who has campaigned to raise awareness about the dangers of this style for BBL, is now calling for new laws making it illegal to perform procedures like this in Britain. 'I fell victim to Sawyer in 2023, and it's taken almost two years for action,' she says. 'There needs to be a fast-tracked approach or new laws to regulate the industry. 'This ban is a start.' 6 Bonnie says that Sawyer's ban is a step in the right direction Credit: supplied
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Why Molly-Mae's sister Zoe has ended up with botched Botox TWICE & the hidden signs it can happen to you
GOING into 'hiding' once again, Molly-Mae Hague's sister, Zoe, has been left with a drooping eyelid after receiving Botox. Despite experiencing a similar issue back in February and vowing to swear off the treatment, the 28-year-old found herself in the same 8 Molly Maes sister Zoe Rae Hague reveals her botched botox disaster Credit: YouTube 8 Zoe vowed that she wouldn't get Botox again after her previous experience Credit: Instagram The reality star's sister admitted she could Zoe candidly shared her beauty mishap in a In the video shared on her YouTube, she confessed: "And I hold my hands up – I said I wasn't going to do it again, and I was really just going to rock the forehead lines – but I didn't. "I wanted to try READ MORE ON BOTOX 8 Zoe is now choosing to spend some time away from vlogging while her eye recovers Credit: instagram/@zoerae/ Zoe then lifted her sunglasses to reveal the aftermath of the procedure, showing her left eye significantly drooping compared to her right – a repeat of what happened the first time. She explained that she had returned to the same clinic that had administered her Botox in February, praising the aesthetician for being "so, so careful" in avoiding areas that could lead to ptosis (eyelid droop). However, this time, the outcome was even worse. Zoe shared: "It's actually worse than last time – my eye is now fully closed, pretty much." Most read in Fabulous Reduce the risks of it happening to you Dr Aamer Khan, a leading cosmetic doctor and co-founder of Molly-Mae Hague's sister Zoe left 'weeping' after trying out Botox again - and the results are even WORSE than last time 'Zoe Rae's (née Hague's) experience is a reminder that even minimally invasive treatments like Botox can carry small risks,' he says. 'It highlights the importance of being fully informed before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.' Botox is widely used for cosmetic enhancements, particularly to reduce facial wrinkles. While generally safe, The signs it could happen to you Improper injection technique : Botox being placed too close to the eyelid or incorrectly injected into the frontalis muscle of the forehead can result in drooping or heaviness in the upper eyelids. Migration of the toxin : In rare cases, Botox can spread to unintended areas, affecting nearby muscles like the levator palpebrae superioris, which lifts the upper eyelid. Over-relaxation of muscles : If the Botox over-relaxes the frontalis muscle, it can cause heaviness and a droopy appearance in the upper eyelids. Placement errors : Misplacement of Botox can lead to temporary paralysis of unintended muscles, causing eyelid droop. Repeated complications : If you've experienced similar issues in the past, as Zoe did, you may be at higher risk of it happening again. Lack of precision during administration : Botox requires careful placement and understanding of facial anatomy. Poor administration increases the risk of complications. Not choosing a qualified practitioner : Selecting someone without extensive experience and knowledge of facial anatomy can heighten the likelihood of complications. Failure to follow aftercare guidance : Not adhering to recommended aftercare instructions can increase the risk of side effects. In rare cases, the toxin can migrate and affect nearby muscles, resulting in eyelid Why it happens Dr Aamer further explains: 'Eyelid drooping occurs when Botox affects unintended muscles and spreads to the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, which lifts the upper eyelid. 'This can cause temporary paralysis, leading to drooping and typically happens when injections are placed too close to the eyelid or if the Botox migrates from the intended area. 'Further, injecting Botox into the frontalis muscle of the forehead must be done with precision. This muscle helps raise the eyebrows. Given that she has reported repeated issues, I would recommend reassessing whether the practitioner is the right fit Dr. Aamer Khan 'If it is over-relaxed or the Botox is misplaced, it can lead to heaviness over the upper eyelids and a droopy appearance. 'This indicates an issue with injection technique or product placement." And Zoe isn't alone. Every since Botox went mainstream cases like hers keeps cropping up. Like with lifestyle blogger and But when she was having it topped her aesthetician made an error which caused her left eyelid to dramatically droop which she was left having to disguise under her hair. 8 The aesthetician had been hoping to balance out her eyebrows with Botox Even singer 8 The hitmaker struggled to smile after revealing her Botox struggle Credit: Getty What's the chance of it happening to you? Dr. Aamer Khan continues, 'while some data suggests this occurs in around 1% of cases, I can confidently say that, in over 25 years of clinical practice, I've not seen this complication among my patients. "I believe this reflects the importance of 8 Zoe was in a similar situation in February this year Credit: YOUTUBE 8 Zoe is sister to Molly-Mae Hague Credit: Instagram What to do if it does Although Botox-related complications are usually temporary and tend to resolve over time, they can still be highly distressing for patients, as Zoe's experience demonstrates. Dr Aamer adds: 'Given that she has reported repeated issues, I would recommend reassessing whether the practitioner is the right fit, if the treatment is suitable for her individual needs, or even exploring alternative options.' He also advises anyone experiencing similar symptoms to consult their practitioner promptly. 'For those like Zoe who experience ptosis, it's important to consult their practitioner promptly,' he says. 'Treatment options like alpha-adrenergic agonist eye drops (apraclonidine) can temporarily help elevate the eyelid. 'However, ptosis typically resolves itself as the effects of the toxin wear off and normal muscle function returns. 'Having chosen a medically qualified practitioner with a good working knowledge of facial anatomy and extensive experience in Botox treatments, it is important to discuss the potential risks and side effects during a consultation beforehand. 'Following the recommended aftercare guidance is also key to reducing the risk of complications and achieving the best possible outcome.' 8 Dr. Aamer Khan, a leading cosmetic doctor and co-founder of Harley Street Skin Clinic, believes it is important to research into your practitioner Credit: Nicky Johnston Do's & Don'ts before and after Botox Dr. Aamer Khan reveals the do's and don'ts with Botox Do's Before Botox Consult a qualified practitioner with medical training and experience. Inform your practitioner about all medications, supplements, and medical conditions. Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E) for 24–48 hours. Stay hydrated and have a light meal before your appointment. Ask questions about the procedure, expectations, and outcomes. Don'ts Before Botox Avoid retinol, glycolic acid, or exfoliants on treatment areas for 24 hours. Don't schedule within 2 weeks of major events to allow time for the treatment to work and any healing. needed, possible bruising, which can occur. Reschedule if you're feeling unwell (cold, infection, etc.). Try to avoid makeup on the day of treatment, unless it is mineral make up. Do's After Botox Gently move treated muscles (smile, frown) to help Botox settle. Stay upright for 4–6 hours post-treatment. Apply cold compresses gently to reduce swelling if there is any. Use mild, non-active skincare to keep skin clean and calm. Don'ts After Botox Do not lie down or bend over for at least 4–6 hours. Avoid touching or rubbing the injected area for 24 hours. Skip workouts and heat exposure (gym, saunas, hot yoga) for 24 hours. Don't apply makeup or active skincare for at least 12–24 hours. Avoid alcohol and blood thinners for 24 hours post-treatment. For any concerns post-treatment, always contact your provider directly. Mild redness, swelling, or bruising is common and usually subsides within a few days.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I was sick of trying fad diets and not losing weight but now I've shed FIVE STONE without fat jabs or silly eating plans
A MUM who shed five stone through gastric band hypnotherapy has described the treatment as life-changing – saying it completely rewired her brain. Laura Bell dropped from a dress size 22 to a 14 without surgery or fad diets. Advertisement 7 Laura Bell spent years yo-yo-dieting and wanted to lose weight Credit: Jam Press/Laura Bell 7 Laura has dropped from a dress size 22 to a 14 using gastric band hypnosis Credit: Jam Press/Laura Bell The 42-year-old, from Hertfordshire, spent years yo-yo-dieting and even considering going under the knife. Before committing to Incredibly, the therapy was a major success – seeing her go from 18.5st to 13.5st in a year. 'I was actually thinking about having a gastric band and surgery," Laura said. Advertisement More on diets 'I thought, before having the gastric band, I'll try hypnosis.' Gastric band hypnosis is a therapy that uses guided relaxation and visualisation to make someone's mind believe they've actually had a gastric band fitted. It aims to help people feel full with smaller portions and change their eating habits. The four gastric band hypnosis sessions, which cost around £500, were spread over a week – and Laura says she saw immediate results. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Each face-to-face session included deep relaxation, calming music and vivid visualisations – including the sounds and smells of the hospital. Laura explained: 'When you're doing the suggestions during the gastric band one, you envision you having the actual surgery. I lost almost a stone in just six days and here's the exact list of delicious meals I ate which never left me hungry 'The smell of Dettol to help you visualise being in hospital.' During the hypnosis, new suggestions were planted – like only eating until full and ditching snacks and alcohol. Advertisement Laura added: 'When you're in the space between falling asleep – the bit where someone can plant new suggestions in your mind – such as you're going to drink more water, you're only going to eat until you're full, not use your tummy as a waste bin. 'When you wake up, your brain automatically believes that.' After just one session, Laura found herself reaching for soup instead of pizza at lunch. The mum says the technique left her only wanting small food portions and her cravings completely disappeared. Advertisement 7 Before committing to gastric band surgery, the mum-of-three decided to try hypnosis Credit: Jam Press/Laura Bell 7 Laura went from 18.5st to 13.5st in a year using the therapy Credit: Jam Press/Laura Bell She said: 'We went for lunch and I went for the soup and not a pizza. I didn't want anything more. 'I'm not even thinking about crisps, cake or chocolate. I'm not interested. Advertisement 'I've stopped drinking alcohol for the last year or so – it's empty calories. If I'm not having any of the other stuff, why would I have alcohol?' Laura now goes to the gym three to four times a week and says her energy has soared. She said: 'I feel like I've had a glow-up, my energy is so much better, and what I'm able to do with the children is so much better.' 7 Laura before going through gastric band hypnotherapy Credit: Jam Press/Laura Bell Advertisement 7 Laura paid for four gastric band hypnosis sessions, which cost around £500 and were spread over a week Credit: Jam Press/Laura Bell But she still listens to monthly recordings from her hypnosis sessions to keep her mindset topped up. She said: 'I listen to them mainly once a month just to keep me topped up. 'Once the gastric band is done, then that is done.' Advertisement I'm not even thinking about crisps, cake or chocolate. I'm not interested Laura Bell Laura discovered the programme through a client as part of her work in strategy for small businesses. The hypnotherapy teacher invited her to join a workshop as part of her own self-care. Inspired by her own experience, Laura went on to become a qualified clinical hypnotherapist herself. What is gastric band hypnosis? GASTRIC band hypnosis is a psychological technique used for weight loss. It's a form of hypnotherapy that aims to convince the subconscious mind that you've had a gastric band surgically fitted around your stomach, even though no actual surgery takes place. The aims of sessions are to reduce portion sizes, encourage healthier eating habits and decrease food cravings, especially for unhealthy foods. Sessions are typically conducted by a trained hypnotherapist. Each face-to-face session includes deep relaxation, calming music and vivid visualisations – including that your stomach is now smaller and that you will feel full after eating less food. She now runs her own business helping others change their relationship with food. Advertisement Laura said: 'I was at a pretty bad place when I started my hypnosis journey. 'I thought, enough was enough. I was going into my 40s, I was a mum of three co-parenting. 'I needed to do something that worked once and for all. 'I always yo-yoed with weight. Advertisement 'I wanted to do something that would change my relationship with food forever where I could do it on autopilot and wasn't following a routine or anything.' Now Laura believes she's finally cracked it. 7 Laura has gone on to become a qualified clinical hypnotherapist herself Credit: Jam Press/Laura Bell She said: 'The hypnosis undoes all the things you've been told through tradition and society. Advertisement 'It means when you are losing weight, you're doing it on autopilot, you're not even thinking about it. 'I've had a similar experience to if I'd had the actual gastric sleeve. 'I only eat when I'm hungry. 'I only have small portions and that was immediate – straight after I had my first session. Advertisement 'I've forgotten my body shape has changed. 'I still buy the wrong size clothes or look at things and think there's no way I'm going to fit into them – but I do. 'It's been life-changing, to say the least.' Advertisement How cutting out sugar can help you lose weight It might sound obvious, but cutting out sugar can help you lose weight - and this is why Reduced alorie intake : Sugar is calorie-dense but not nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories without making you feel full. By cutting out sugar, you naturally reduce your overall caloric intake, which can create a calorie deficit and lead to weight loss. Lower Insulin Levels : Consuming sugar, especially in large amounts, causes spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage. By reducing sugar intake, you can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it easier for your body to burn fat. Decreased Cravings : Sugar can be addictive and lead to cravings for more sugary foods. By cutting it out, you may find that your cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods decrease, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet. Improved Satiety : Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and protein, which are essential for feeling full and satisfied. By replacing sugary foods with more nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can increase your satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption. Better Nutrient Intake : When you cut out sugary foods, you often make room for more nutritious foods. This can improve your overall diet quality, providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, which can support weight loss efforts. Reduced Fat Storage : High sugar intake, particularly from fructose, can lead to increased fat production in the liver, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Cutting out sugar helps to reduce this effect. Enhanced Metabolism : Reducing sugar can improve metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which can facilitate weight loss. By cutting out sugar and replacing it with healthier options, you can create a more balanced and sustainable diet that supports weight loss and overall well-being.
