Diversity in OA

We started in 1960 as “Overeaters Anonymous,” but over time we have learned that our program works equally well for a wide range of compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors, including:

• Undereating
• Overeating
• Binge eating
• Overexercising to control weight
• Purging (using non-prescribed medicines or vomiting to manipulate digestion of food in the body)
• Obsession with diets
• Obsession with body image

You will hear about diverse problems with food in our meetings. OA members will say, “My name is __________, and I am a __________”

• Compulsive overeater or compulsive eater
• Food addict
• Sugar addict
• Emotional eater
• Binge eater
• Anorexic
• Bulimic
• Exercise bulimic or overexerciser
• Food restrictor

Some OA members find that their active problem with food can shift from one type of problem to another. For example, a compulsive overeater may become a bulimic. No matter their problem with food, we can promise lifetime recovery from all compulsive food behaviors to anyone who is willing to work OA’s Twelve Step program.

We have learned through experience that OA members can benefit in their recovery when they meet others who are more like themselves. Today we offer meetings that reflect the diversity of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, belief, age, health concerns, and recovery goals among our members:

• 100-pounders (those who need to lose or who have lost 100 pounds (45 kg) or more.
• Anorexia/Bulimia
• Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi (APID)
• Atheist, agnostic, and secular
• Bariatric surgery
• Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)
• Body image
• Health issues
• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus additional sexual orientations non specified (LGBTQ+)
• Men
• Neurodivergent/Neurodiverse
• Women
• Young adults (members ages 18–30 or those who joined OA at that age)

In OA, we call each of these a “specific focus,” and you can select a specific-focus option in our Find a Meeting search menu.

Specific focus meetings are regular OA meetings and are open to all OA members.

In OA, we maintain a balance between a common program that unites and strengthens us and recognition that different OA members can benefit from different ways of working the OA program. A few choices include:

• Whether to voluntarily work the OA program in a way that has more “rules” or fewer rules. Some OA members voluntarily work a more structured program because they recognize the benefits. Examples of a more structured approach include:
  • Weighing and measuring all ingredients of a meal.
  • Sending your plan for the day’s meals to your OA sponsor.
  • Making three calls to other OA members every day.
• Whether to seek the help of health and wellness professionals to achieve a healthy body weight or to improve mental, emotional, or spiritual health. OA encourages its members to seek professional help. The OA program does not interfere with professional care.
• What OA-approved literature to rely on for recovery. We have found all OA-approved literature is beneficial for recovery, but some groups in OA may prioritize certain literature.