We’re glad you’re here.
Watching friends and loved ones suffer from compulsive eating can be painful, confusing, and even frustrating. You’re not alone and neither is your loved one. But first, let’s find out if your instincts are correct.
Quiz for Family and Friends
- Do you notice that food is inexplicably gone?
- Does the person try to sneak food?
- Do you find hidden food and wrappers?
- Are all the “goodies” gone?
- Does the person often eat alone?
- Does the person visit the bathroom after eating, and you hear water running?
- Are people often suggesting the person go on a diet?
- Does the person seem to have more food and less money?
- Does the person’s weight affect how he or she lives?
- Is the person routinely using laxatives or water pills?
- Is the person unhappy about his or her appearance?
- Is the person or other people in the person’s life unhappy about his or her eating behavior?
If you answered YES to any or most of these questions, your loved one may benefit from OA. So, what can you do? Here are some good ways to begin:
- Read Overeaters Anonymous literature to learn more about compulsive overeating and how Overeaters Anonymous (OA) can help your loved one. (Tip: To the Family of the Compulsive Eater pamphlet is a good one.)
- Attend a meeting with visitors (open) to observe a meeting and meet members.
Common questions asked by loved ones
I am concerned about my spouse, family member, or friend … what can I do?
Please fill out the contact form, so we can send you a packet of information, including the pamphlet To the Family of the Compulsive Eater. This information may help you understand compulsive eating as a disease and its effects on your loved one. If this person has not already found OA, it could also help bring him or her into the program. Your loved one is lucky to have you in their life.
Can OA refer me to professional help for my family member?
As a Twelve-Step program, we must adhere to certain Traditions. One prohibits us from affiliating with or endorsing an outside organization, so we are unable to refer you to anyone outside OA. The OA program has helped thousands of compulsive eaters globally for more than 60 years. If your family member would like to attend a meeting, they will be welcomed and supported there. They can find a meeting here.
Would you please send my family member or friend information on OA?
In order to respect OA’s Principles of “anonymity” and “attraction rather than promotion,” the World Service Office can’t send material to anyone other than the party making the request. For this reason, we are unable to mail anything to your friend or family member.