1. Opening

“Welcome to the [day and time] __________ Lifeline discussion meeting of Overeaters Anonymous. My name is __________. I am a compulsive eater and the leader for this meeting.”

2–13. Welcome and Further Remarks

Refer to the Suggested Meeting Format (available in the Document Library at oa.org) or use your group’s choice of opening remarks.

14. Meeting Format

“Lifeline was OA’s worldwide magazine, published ten times a year. Now Lifeline is available online through content posted on lifeline.oa.org.

“In this meeting, we read and discuss Lifeline content submitted by our fellow OA members. By publishing our stories in Lifeline, we carry the message far beyond the meeting level to compulsive eaters everywhere. Through Lifeline, we share our experience, strength, and hope with members who both can and cannot attend meetings; with those in remote areas, institutions, and other countries; and with those outside the Fellowship.

“When we hold a Lifeline discussion meeting, we are, in a sense, meeting with OA members from around the world. We are able, through Lifeline, to bring fresh experiences and renewed strength and hope into our home meeting. We broaden the extent of our knowledge and caring within the Fellowship and gain new perspectives on our recovery.

“Remember, Lifeline content submitted reflects the opinions of the author, and publication does not imply endorsement by either Lifeline or Overeaters Anonymous.”

Reading: Review lifeline.oa.org; books of collected Lifeline stories, such as Taste of Lifeline and Lifeline Sampler; and Lifeline magazine back issues. Choose articles and submissions that will provide good subjects for discussion.

Topic suggestions:

  • Choose a topic that Lifeline has featured online and/or in print and read several articles on that topic. Prepare motivating questions about the topic.
  • Pick a topic that has aroused interest recently in your group and locate articles from online and print Lifeline.
  • Read and share on some of the back issue articles featured in “For Discussion and Journaling.”
  • Allow time for members to write on a topic featured in Lifeline and ask for shares afterward.

15. Sharing

Follow the “Suggested Guidelines for Sharing” in the Suggested Meeting Format or the sharing guidelines your group has chosen.

Optional writing

Ask members to write on a topic of discussion from the previous session and sign their initials. Collect the writings and save them to read at a later meeting. This works best if the topic is not too broad. For example, instead of writing about relapse as a whole, write on how one prevents relapse every day.

Optional closing

Read something short and positive from Lifeline, such as a positive “Share It” letter from a back issue. Then take the opportunity to suggest that members make submissions to Lifeline by going to lifeline.oa.org.

Consideration: Check the availability of Wi-Fi at your meeting location, so that members may view submissions at lifeline.oa.org.

16. Closing

Follow the Suggested Meeting Format or use your group’s customary closing procedure.

OA Responsiblity Pledge

Always to extend the hand and heart of OA
to all who share my compulsion;
for this I am responsible.

Lifeline and Lifeline.OA.org:
OA’s worldwide content, filled with new perspectives on issues you face daily.

OA Board-approved.
©1995, 1998, 2003, 2022 Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. All rights reserved. Rev. 1/2024.

Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. World Service Office
Location: 6075 Zenith Court NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144, USA
Mailing address: PO Box 44727, Rio Rancho, NM 87174-4727, USA
Telephone: +1 505-891-2664