A place to begin

If you’re ready to begin, you can start in simple ways. 

You might attend an OA meeting. Any meeting is open to you, and you are welcome at all of them. Some meetings are specifically designed for newcomers and may include time for questions. Each meeting is unique, so if one doesn’t feel like a good fit, you might try another. If you wish, you may simply observe at first. 

Some meetings also have a specific focus, such as men; women; young adults; people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities; Black indigenous, and people of color; atheist and agnostic members; or people who have had bariatric surgery. If you identify with one of these groups, you might like to try one of those meetings.

You do not need to register or make any commitment to attend meetings. Meetings usually pause to collect contributions to help cover expenses and support OA services. These contributions are voluntary and appreciated.  

You may find these resources helpful: 

• Where Do I Start? Everything a Newcomer Needs to Know

• Our Invitation to You 

• Literature recommended for newcomers 

• Personal stories from OA members 

• Diversity of OA meetings

You may also find answers to common questions in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). 

It’s very common to have mixed feelings. You might be curious, hopeful, skeptical, nervous, or some combination of these. You don’t have to decide anything right now. 

You’re welcome to attend meetings just to listen, without needing to speak, share, or make any commitments. You can come once, or as often as you’d like. 

You may find these resources helpful: 

Hearing Is Believing

Helpful readings

• Welcome Home 
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• What to expect at an OA meeting 
• Diversity of OA meetings 

Real member stories

Welcome back. We’re glad you’re here. 

Some members spend time away from the program and later return. You are always welcome. 

OA will feel familiar in many ways, grounded in shared experiences, the Twelve Steps, and mutual support. Meetings are still centered on fellowship and recovery. If you’ve been away for more than a few years, you may notice more virtual meetings than before. 

Members work the program in a variety of ways, and newer resources are available, such as the second edition of The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous. 

You’re welcome to bring what you already know, and you’re also welcome to be new again. 

You may find these resources helpful: 

• Where Do I Start? (our free guide) 

• It Is Truly Never Too Late to Come Back to Overeaters Anonymous 

• The Insanity of My Life Brought Me Back to OA 

• For 32 Years, I Kept Coming Back Until I Became Willing to Go to Any Length for My Recovery 

• Keeping Hope Alive (old Lifeline site) 

• What OA Has Done for Me (old Lifeline site) 

Many people come to OA with questions about their relationship with food. You might be wondering if things are bad enough, or whether your eating is something you should be concerned about. 

Difficulties with food can show up in many ways. For some, it’s overeating or binge eating. For others, it may be under-eating, overexercising, repeated dieting, or an ongoing struggle with weight, body image, or constant thoughts about food. 

It’s okay to explore these questions honestly, without needing to label yourself or reach any conclusions. 

You are also welcome to attend an OA meeting simply to listen and learn more. No one will expect you to say that you have a problem or to describe yourself in any particular way. 

You may find these resources helpful: 

• OA Quiz (an interactive tool) 

• Fifteen Questions

• Fifteen Questions for the Young Person 

• “OA Has Your Back” video (below)

If something here resonates with you, you may wish to explore the other sections on this page. 

You may simply want to learn more about OA before deciding what to do next. 

OA welcomes people who experience many different problems with food and eating behaviors. In OA, members support one another and work a Twelve Step program of recovery to develop healthier relationships with food. 

Learning more about the program can help you decide whether OA might be helpful for you. 

You may find these resources helpful: 

• About Overeaters Anonymous 

• Introduction to the Twelve Steps 

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Where Do I Start? Everything a Newcomer Needs to Know 

If your question isn’t answered here or in the FAQs, you are welcome to contact the World Service Office. We’ll be happy to help. 

Watching someone you care about struggle with food or eating behaviors can be painful, especially when you’re not sure how to help. 

Many people find that simply sharing information about Overeaters Anonymous can be a gentle way to offer support. This allows the person to explore OA and decide for themselves whether it might be helpful. Recovery is a personal decision, but your understanding and support can make a difference. 

You may find these resources helpful: 

• Information for Family and Friends 

• To the Family of the Compulsive Eater