Overeaters Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women from all walks of life who meet in order to
help solve a common problem - compulsive overeating. The only requirement for membership is a
desire to stop eating compulsively. OA is a non-profit international organization that provides volunteer
support groups worldwide. Patterned after the Twelve-Step Alcoholics Anonymous program, the OA
recovery program addresses physical, emotional and spiritual recovery aspects of compulsive
overeating. Members are encouraged to seek professional help for individual diet/nutrition plans and
for any emotional or physical problems.
How did Overeaters Anonymous start?
In January 1960, three people living in southern California began meeting for the purpose of helping
each other with their eating problems. They had tried everything else and failed. The program they
followed was patterned after the Alcoholics Anonymous program. From that first meeting, OA has
grown until today there are approximately 7,500 meeting groups in over 50 countries throughout the
world.
How do OA members lose weight and maintain their normal weight? OA is not a diet club, and makes
no claims for weight loss. The concept of abstinence is the basis of OA's program of recovery. By
admitting inability to control compulsive overeating in the past, and abandoning the idea that all one
needs to be able to eat normally is "a little willpower," it becomes possible to abstain from overeating
- one day at a time. OA offers members support in dealing with the physical and emotional symptoms
of compulsive overeating, and recommends emotional, spiritual and physical recovery changes
through the Twelve-Steps. OA members are encouraged to follow a plan of eating. Each OA member
should consult qualified professionals for their individual diet/nutrition plan, any medically approved
plan of eating is acceptable.
Who are O.A. members?
OA members are men and women of all ages from all over the world who wish to abstain form
compulsive overeating and who wish to carry this message of recovery to those who still suffer.
Based on our 1992 Gallup survey of the membership, the average OA member is a 44 year old
woman who began eating compulsively at 14. She has been an OA member for over 4 years and has
lost over 40 pounds. She states that her emotional and mental health is the aspect of her life that has
most improved since joining OA.
How is O.A. funded?
Overeaters Anonymous has no dues or fees for membership. It is entirely self-supporting through
contributions and sale of publications. Most groups "pass the basket" at meetings to cover expenses.
OA does not solicit or accept outside contributions.
Who runs Overeaters Anonymous?
OA has no central government and a minimum of formal organization. At the local, regional, and
international levels responsible members serve OA and its fellowship by volunteering to organize and
lead meetings, conduct activities and sit on the Board of Trustees.
The World Service Office is a service center whose main function is to carry the OA message to the
many compulsive overeaters who still suffer. The World Service Office publishes and distributes
literature, maintains records on all registered groups, intergroups, regions and national service
boards, and issues meeting directories. The World Service Office also acts as a public information
clearing house.
What is Overeaters Anonymous?
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission of Overeaters Anonymous, Inc.; World Service Office |
Greater Omaha Intergroup
Overeaters Anonymous