Are You a Compulsive Eater?

Many of us come to OA wondering if we truly have a problem with food. We may recognize some concerning patterns but feel uncertain about whether we need help. Consider these common experiences below that are often shared by our members. If you identify with, or have every experienced any of these feelings you are not alone.

Are You a Compulsive Eater?

Many of us come to OA wondering if we truly have a problem with food. We may recognize some concerning patterns but feel uncertain about whether we need help.

Understanding Compulsive Eating

Is Food Running Your Life?

Do you eat when you’re not hungry?

Do you plan secret binges ahead of time?

Do you eat sensibly before others and make up for it alone?

Do you resent others telling you to use willpower to stop overeating?

Do you eat to escape from worries or trouble?

Do you restrict, purge, over-exercise or fast to control your weight?

Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason?

Do you look forward with pleasure and anticipation to the time when you can eat alone?

Is your weight or your attempts to control your weight affecting the way you live your life or your health?

Do you crave to eat at a definite time, day or night, other than mealtime?

Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy?

Do you have feelings of guilt and remorse after overeating?

Do you give too much time and thought to food, weight or body image?

Have you tried to diet for a week (or longer), only to fall short of your goal?

Despite evidence to the contrary, have you continued to assert that you can diet on your own whenever you wish?

Have you ever been treated for obesity, anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder or another food-related condition?

Answered yes to three or more of these questions?

If so, it is probable that you have, or are well on your way to having a compulsive eating problem. Some of us overeat, some under-eat, some binge and purge, some over-exercise for weight control. We all have an addictive relationship with food. We have found that the way to arrest this progressive disease is to practice the 12 Step recovery program of Overeaters Anonymous.

Overeaters Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength and hope, are recovering from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors. We welcome everyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. There are no dues or fees for members; we are self-supporting through our own contributions, neither soliciting nor accepting outside donations.

Newcomer Meeting

Is OA for you?

Only you can answer that question. No one else can make this decision for you. We in OA have found a way of life that lets us live without the need for excess food, or compulsive food behaviors. We believe that compulsive eating is a progressive illness, and like alcoholism and other addictions, can be arrested. Remember, there is no shame in admitting you have a problem; the most important thing is to do something about it. We encourage you to attend several meetings before deciding if OA is for you.

There are meetings specifically for newcomers, but you are welcome at any meeting. OA is not affiliated with any public or private organization, political movement, ideology or religious doctrine; we take no position on outside issues. Our primary purpose is to abstain from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors, and to carry this message of recovery to those who still suffer.