Newcomers

Welcome to OA

If you are a newcomer to Overeaters Anonymous you are very welcome! Overeaters Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who are recovering from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviours, for example compulsive overeating, anorexia, bulimia, yo-yo dieting and over-exercising. We consider compulsive eating to be an addiction, a disease of the body, mind and spirit, like alcoholism and we follow the 12 step programme of recovery inspired by Alcoholics Anonymous.

If you are unsure whether you are a compulsive eater then you can try this quiz bellow.

Take the quiz Newcomer Resources

“We of Overeaters Anonymous have made a discovery. At the very first meeting we attended, we learned that we were in the clutches of a dangerous illness, and that willpower, emotional health and self-confidence, which some of us had once possessed, were no defence against it.

We have learned that the reasons for the illness are unimportant. What deserves the attention of the still-suffering compulsive overeater is this: there is a proven, workable method by which we can arrest our illness.

OA recovery program is patterned after that of Alcoholics Anonymous. As our personal stories attest, the Twelve-Step program of recovery works as well for compulsive overeaters as it does for alcoholics.”

Extract from Our Invitation to You, Overeaters Anonymous

OA Overall Service Structure

FAQ's

Do I qualify for Overeaters Anonymous?

Whatever problem you may have with food you are welcome at Overeaters Anonymous. Our only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively. No one can tell you if you are a compulsive eater or not. Only you can decide if you are one of us and if you do, we welcome you with open arms.
What diet do you suggest I follow?

We are not a diet club and we do not endorse a particular plan of eating. In OA “abstinence” is the action of refraining from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviours one day at a time. The 12 step programme of recovery provides us with a framework for dealing with our problems without having to rely on excess food or other compulsive food behaviours.
How much does it cost to attend?

There are no dues or fees for membership; we are self-supporting through voluntary contributions.
Do I need to believe in God?

The 12 step programme of recovery is a spiritual solution to our shared problem of compulsive eating. You are free to define your spirituality and your Higher Power in whatever way works for you. A Higher Power could be the power of fellowship, love, nature or it could be a God of your understanding.

“OA’s Unity with Diversity Policy respects our differences and yet unites us in the solution to our common problem. Whatever problem you may have with food, you are welcome at Overeaters Anonymous, regardless of race, creed, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other attribute” (adapted from OA Meeting Script format).