Local Overeaters Anonymous Held 40th Annual Convention Virtually

Earlier this month, 122 members of the international organization Overeaters Anonymous (OA) gathered online for the 40th Annual Convention of the Milwaukee Area Intergroup. The convention, which was held exclusively online via Zoom, began Friday, April 16 with a pre-convention workshop and concluded Sunday, April 18 at noon. This year’s convention was titled Finding Joy in Recovery and included inspirational keynote speakers, educational breakout sessions, and interactive opportunities for fellowship and fun such as a hospitality suite, a 12-Step Sing-Along, and a game of “OA Bingo”.

“Convention is an incredibly uplifting experience filled with inspiration, strength, hope, and support from fellow members,” said Joy M., an active and longtime member of OA. “With the online platform, we were able to feature five keynote speakers from around the country who shared truly powerful messages of recovery from compulsive eating. We look forward to sharing those wonderful keynote videos on our website to carry the messages of recovery even further.”

While the keynote speakers drew from their own unique, successful experiences, members all across OA have found weight and life improvements through working the program. In a recent study, the organization found more than 73 percent of members have lost weight by participating in the 12-step program, with an average reported weight loss of more than 45 pounds. Furthermore, 43 percent of its active members have been maintaining a healthy weight for more than five years.

The Milwaukee Area Intergroup of OA spans Eastern Wisconsin and includes more than 30 meetings that take place each week on Zoom or telephone throughout the region, including Racine and Kenosha, up through Waukesha and Milwaukee, on to Appleton and Green Bay, and beyond.

A complete list of active and current meetings can be found on the group’s website, www.oamilwaukee.org. New and prospective members are always welcome.

“While I always enjoy the fellowship of other longtime members, this year I was particularly energized by the participation of newer members who are just learning about the program. OA is truly for anyone, of any age, who is seeking recovery from compulsive food behaviors,” said Joy M.

To learn more about the local organization of OA and how you or someone you know might get involved and find a meeting, please visit https://www.oamilwaukee.org/ or contact Info@OAMilwaukee.org .