What is Overeaters Anonymous (OA)?
OA is a fellowship of people who share their experiences, strength, and hope to help each other recover from compulsive eating and food-related behaviors. It’s based on the Twelve Steps, similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, but focused on food. The Twelve Steps embody a set of principles that, when followed, promote inner change.
Who can join OA?
Anyone who has a desire to stop eating compulsively is welcome—no matter your age, weight, eating habits, or background. There are no dues or fees; OA is self-supporting through member contributions.
What does “compulsive eating” mean?
It can look different for everyone—overeating, binge eating, restricting, yo-yo dieting, obsession with food, or other food-related struggles. If food feels like it controls you rather than the other way around, OA might be a fit.
Do I have to believe in God to join?
No. OA is spiritual, not religious. The program talks about a “Higher Power” of your own understanding—this can be God, nature, the universe, or simply the support of the group.
What happens at a meeting?
Meetings are safe, confidential spaces where members share their experiences and listen to others. Meetings practice anonymity: your identity will not be shared outside the meeting. Feel free to attend and just listen at first; there’s no pressure to speak. Meeting leaders may ask newcomers to introduce themselves so that they feel welcomed. Meetings may be in person, online, or by phone.
Will anyone tell me what to eat?
No. OA doesn’t prescribe specific diets. Members may share what works for them, but you choose your own plan of eating with guidance from your sponsor or healthcare provider.
What is a sponsor?
A sponsor is an experienced OA member who guides you through the Twelve Steps and offers personal support. You choose your own sponsor, and you can change sponsors if needed.
How much does it cost?
There are no membership fees. Voluntary contributions help cover meeting expenses, but newcomers are not expected to contribute until they feel ready.
How do I know if OA is right for me?
OA members experience many different types of problem food behaviors. If you relate to several, OA may be worth exploring:
- Eating when not hungry
- Not eating when their body needs nourishment
- Going on eating binges for no apparent reason
- Eating until stuffed or feeling sick
- Eating sensibly in front of others and then “making up for it” when alone
- Eating in ways that adversely affect their health or lifestyle
- Reaching for food during times of emotional intensity, whether positive or negative
- Exhibiting eating behaviors that make themselves or others unhappy
- Using laxatives, vomiting, diuretics, excessive exercise, diet pills, shots, or other medical interventions (including surgery) to control weight
- Fasting or severely restricting food intake to control weight
- Fantasizing about how much better their life would be at a different size or weight
- Needing to chew or have something in their mouth all times, whether it is food, gum, mints, candies, or beverages
- Eating food that is burned, frozen, or spoiled; from containers in the grocery store; or out of the garbage
- Being unable to stop eating certain foods after having the first bite
- Having lost weight with a diet or “period of control” followed by bouts of uncontrolled eating and/or weight gain
- Spending too much time thinking about food and weight, arguing with themselves about whether or what to eat, planning the next diet or exercise cure, or counting calories
Can I come to OA if I do other things to manage my relationship with food?
OA welcomes anyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. We have no opinion on methods of weight loss, therapy or medications. Whatever your problem with food you are welcome.
My schedule is unpredictable. Will OA meetings work for me
OA is flexible, with 6,000+ meetings worldwide – in person, online, non real-time or by telephone, there’s always a meeting that works with your schedule.
Will I see other people like me at meetings?
In OA, you’ll find members who are severely obese, obese, overweight, at a healthy weight, or underweight. Some members are still struggling, some have made significant progress, and others have been living free from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors for many years. All are welcome—the only requirement for membership in OA is the desire to stop eating compulsively. In addition, OA offers specific focus meetings: 100-pound weight loss, Anorexia/Bulimia, Asian Pacific Islander Desi, Atheist/Agnostic/Secular, Bariatric Surgery, Black/Indigenous/People of Color, Body Image, Health Issues, Neurodivergent/Neurodiverse, men, women, LGBTQ+ and Young Adults.
Why do OA members continue to go to meetings after they have physical recovery?
OA members find that maintaining a healthy relationship with food requires maintenance of their emotional and spiritual health by working the Twelve Steps. Attending meetings regularly helps them do that, as well as helping other compulsive eaters.
How do I start?
- Find a meeting (in person, online, or by phone) Find a meeting – Overeaters Anonymous
- Listen and learn—no pressure to share right away
- Pick up OA literature Overeaters Anonymous, Inc.
- Consider connecting with a sponsor