Overeaters Anonymous is a proven program of recovery patterned after the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. OA doesn’t concern itself with the medical aspects of obesity, anorexia, or bulimia, but rather with the mental obsession and the physical allergy unique to compulsive eaters. We are a worldwide community resource that supports, but doesn’t replace, professional services, such as counseling, medication, treatment programs, and other modalities.
Unlike pay-and-way programs, Overeaters Anonymous does not endorse any specific diet or nutritional plan. Members are encouraged to seek professional guidance and a plan of eating that allows them to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. It’s important to note that an individual can be at a healthy weight, yet still struggle with binge eating, restricting, compulsive exercise, bulimia, or anorexia. As thousands of members can attest, the OA program works for them, too.
Resources for professionals:
Introduction to OA for the HCP
When to Refer Someone to OA
Patient/Client Flyer
FAQs About OA
Newsletter for Professionals
NIH journal articles:
Overeaters Anonymous: An Overlooked Intervention for Binge Eating Disorder
Overeaters Anonymous: A Mutual-Help Fellowship for Food Addiction Recovery