O.A. Information for Professionals

The Unexpected Path to Compulsive Eating

No one intentionally becomes a compulsive eater. Historically, compulsive eating was often stigmatized as a lack of willpower. Today, it’s more widely recognized as a complex health issue, a perspective that not only validates but also deeply understands the struggles of those affected. For those struggling with compulsive eating, this understanding can be a source of comfort in their deeply personal challenge.

Within Overeaters Anonymous (O.A.), members often seek answers to questions about their own experiences, fears, and hopes for recovery. The community within O.A. is not just a group, but a network of empathy and understanding. It views compulsive eating as a progressive illness that can be managed but not cured. This illness involves both a physical sensitivity to food and a mental obsession with eating, which cannot be overcome by willpower alone.

Recovery professionals often refer to O.A. as a peer support group or mutual aid society. While many terms describe compulsive eating, “compulsive eating” remains the most widely understood. OA provides a shared recovery experience through its 12-step program, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among its members.

A Resource for Helping Professionals

A Resource for Helping Professionals - our Public Information and Professional Outreach committee - is at the ready to help you assist individuals struggling with compulsive eating and any eating disorders. In O.A. we have found recovery through Overeaters Anonymous (O.A.), often with a referral and the guidance of informed professionals.

O.A. and professionals who work with those struggling with compulsive eating share a common goal: to help individuals overcome compulsive eating and lead fulfilling lives. Leveraging their unique experiences with compulsive eating, O.A. members offer a perspective that is not only invaluable but also irreplaceable in supporting those in recovery.

O.A. has a long and established history of collaborating with various organizations. Experienced members of O.A. service committees are available to provide information about O.A. to professionals or to meet with individuals seeking help with compulsive eating.

Many individuals struggling with compulsive eating have found recovery through Overeaters Anonymous (O.A.), often with the guidance of informed professionals.

A common goal unites O.A. and professionals who work with those struggling with compulsive eating: to help individuals overcome compulsive eating and lead fulfilling lives. This shared mission, combined with the expertise and understanding professionals bring, creates a powerful alliance in the fight against compulsive eating.

O.A. has a long-standing history of working with professionals like you. O.A. service committees, comprised of members who can provide information about O.A. to professionals or meet with individuals seeking help with compulsive eating, have been a trusted and reliable resource for over six decades.

O.A. members have worked closely with doctors, healthcare providers, therapists, spiritual leaders, and others who have encountered individuals struggling with compulsive eating for more than 64+ years. This collaboration has proven beneficial, providing a comprehensive and effective support system for individuals in recovery.

Who Joins O.A? 
Overeaters Anonymous (O.A.) is a fellowship of individuals who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to recover from compulsive eating.

The Core Purpose of O.A.
The primary purpose of O.A. is to help compulsive eaters achieve and sustain recovery.

The O.A. Member
O.A. members are people who have recognized that they are powerless over food. They have learned that they must abstain from compulsive eating to lead fulfilling lives. Millions of individuals have found freedom from compulsive eating through O.A.

Diversity Within O.A.
Compulsive eating affects people from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or education level.

O.A.’s Stance on Food
OA is not an anti-food organization. Members are not concerned with food policy or the consumption of food by non-overeaters. Anyone who is troubled by their eating or the eating of someone they care about is welcome to attend an open OA meeting.

The O.A. Member’s Commitment
OA members do not preach or proselytize. They share their experiences with others when asked. Recovered compulsive eaters understand that their recovery depends on their ongoing connection with other members, adherence to their program of recovery, and helping others who are still struggling with compulsive eating.