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Overeaters Anonymous

Overeaters Anonymous

Overeaters Anonymous was developed in 1960 by Rozanne S. and two anonymous women. With a membership of approximately 70,000 individuals and active in 70 countries, Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is for any individual who finds themselves powerless over food. Individuals suffering from a compulsive eating disorder, bulimia, anorexia, overeating or an issue with consuming food are encouraged to join. OA is a twelve step program and has its own literature but also utilizes the Alcoholics Anonymous book and twelve traditions.

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Defined by OA as any "impulse or feeling of being irresistibly driven toward the performance of some irrational action," compulsive eating is viewed as a chronic and progressive disease like alcoholism or addiction. Compulsive eaters use food to handle stress, daily life situations and cope with emotional conflicts. Although, the compulsive eater can often admit and recognize they have an issue, the food being consumed can block out emotions and feelings. Some of the signs and characteristics of overeating addiction or food addiction are:

  • Binging and purging food

  • Feelings and fear of not being able to control the amount of food being consumed

  • Belittling oneself because of food consummation

  • Switching and trying an excessive amount of diets

  • Feelings of guilt and depression

  • Thinking being thin will make oneself a happier, more popular individual

  • Weight loss or gain is the focus of one's life

  • Social and professional failures are because of one's weight

  • Ashamed of weight and isolating

  • Self-esteem is tied to weight

What to Expect at an Overeaters Anonymous Meeting

  1. What to Expect at Your First Meeting

  2. Can I Only Go If I Overeat?

  3. The Role of 12-Step Groups in Recovery

Following the success and popularity of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), many other “anonymous” groups have formed to help people suffering from a wide variety of addictions. Founded in 1960 by Rozanne S., Overeaters Anonymous (OA) has helped people cope with disorders such as compulsive eating, binge eating, bulimia, and anorexia ever since.1 Overeaters Anonymous is based on the same 12-step modality as AA, but the tenets and focus have been modified for issues surrounding an unhealthy relationship with food.

Overeaters Anonymous acts as an important resource for people recovering from a variety of eating disorders and is based on a 12-step program framework in which attendees gradually progress from Step 1 to Step 12 as they advance through recovery. The group provides a safe place for people who suffer from compulsive overeating—or any eating disorder—to voice their thoughts, opinions, and experiences without judgement and to receive support from people who understand their struggles.

Overeaters Anonymous is open to teenagers and adults, men and women, and there are no dues or fees required to join or attend Overeaters Anonymous meetings.2,3 It is not a weight loss group and there are no weigh-ins, meal plans, or exercise programs related to the program, nor is it affiliated with any political parties, religious groups, or public or private organizations.3,4 Anyone who has difficulty controlling their eating habits is welcome at Overeaters Anonymous.