About Overeaters Anonymous  Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone who has a problem with food—whether it’s overeating, undereating, or obsession with food or body image—is welcome. There are no dues or fees, and OA doesn’t require any particular body size, weight, or diagnosis to join.

Meetings may include readings, personal sharing, and discussion of recovery tools and the 12 steps. All meetings are anonymous and confidential. You are not required to speak, and you can simply listen if you’re more comfortable.

No. OA is a spiritual program, not a religious one. Members are encouraged to define a “Higher Power” in their own way, and people of all faiths—as well as atheists and agnostics—are welcome.

The 12 steps are a set of guiding principles used to achieve and maintain recovery from compulsive eating. They include elements of self-reflection, making amends, and spiritual growth, and have been adapted from AA.

In OA, abstinence is defined as refraining from compulsive eating and food behaviors while working toward or maintaining a healthy body weight. Each member develops their own food plan with guidance from a sponsor or healthcare provider.

A sponsor is a fellow OA member who offers guidance and support as you work through the 12 steps. Sponsors share their own experience and help you stay accountable. To find one, attend meetings regularly and listen for people who have what you want in recovery—you can simply ask if they are available to sponsor.

No. OA welcomes people of all beliefs. The program encourages members to explore their own understanding of a “Higher Power,” but belief in God is not a requirement for membership or recovery.

Meetings are available in person, by phone, and online. You can search for meetings by location or format at oa.org/find-a-meeting.

There are no dues or fees to join OA. The program is self-supporting through voluntary member contributions. All are welcome, regardless of ability to contribute.