Overeaters Anonymous online and in meetings is a 12-step approach to weight loss, with a first step of “We admitted we were powerless over food — that our lives had become unmanageable.” The remaining steps are essentially the same as all the other groups.
OA has an online presence, phone meetings, and local group meetings in large and small cities around the world. Here is how they introduce themselves…
OA Program of Recovery
Overeaters Anonymous offers a program of recovery from compulsive eating using the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of OA. Worldwide meetings and other tools provide a fellowship of experience, strength and hope where members respect one another’s anonymity. OA charges no dues or fees; it is self-supporting through member contributions.
OA is not just about weight loss, weight gain or maintenance, or obesity or diets. It addresses physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It is not a religious organization and does not promote any particular diet.
So you can be using any diet or food plan — or none at this point — and still take part. If you recognize that you are a compulsive eater or food addict, subject to emotional eating or bingeing, this self-help program which turns to a Higher Power might be excellent for you! Addiction and recovery are something that OA knows a lot about, from AA Big Book Study and all that the other programs using 12 steps have learned over time. Chances are you won’t be lonely as an OA Newcomer… OA Sponsors act much like Sponsors in the other 12 step programs, providing help. So if you fee at risk of a spell of out of control eating, you can phone your sponsor and get some support towards health and wellness. The personal suuport can make all the difference.
Overeaters Anonymous Online Meetings
The Overeaters Anonymous website has a lot of information.
If you like to listen to podcasts, here is the link to the most recent podcasts. Most of them can be played on your computer by hitting the button next to where it says “Play now.”
Here’s where you can find out about Overeaters Anonymous online meetings and also their phone meetings. Unlike a lot of things that happen on the internet, these appear to be actual meetings in the sense of happening in real time. The phone meetings may incur long distance charges on your phone, just so you know.
Overeaters Anonymous Meetings
Here’s the link for finding out if face-to-face meetings happen in your area: http://www.oa.org/meetings/find-a-meeting.php
OA and Weight Watchers are two weight loss organizations with local support groups. They are quite different. Would one of them suit you, and does it exist near you?
Here’s a blog post from a man who went to OA for the first time and was very glad he did:
Thoughts about Overeaters Anonymous from a Compulsive …
I mentioned in my last post that I totally chickened out on going to the Overeaters Anonymous meeting on Thursday. I also said I planned on going on Sunday, and that my wife planned on going with me for support. As it turned …
If the 12-step approach appeals to you, by all means check out Overeaters Anonymous online or at meetings!
