12-Step Fellowship Program Aids Overeaters During COVID-19

According to a recent poll conducted by WebMD, nearly half of women and one-third of men have gained up to 20 pounds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But that is no surprise to me; as a longtime sufferer of an eating disorder who has found recovery through the fellowship of Overeaters Anonymous (OA), I’ve learned that compulsive overeating is a disease that thrives in isolation. My OA peers and I succumb to old harmful behaviors when we isolate. So while the continued social distancing measures are so necessary to deter the spread of COVID-19, this same social distancing is a dagger to my heart and the hearts of my fellowship members who - like so many of us - are struggling to maintain healthy behaviors during continued social distancing.

OA is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength, and hope, are recovering from compulsive overeating. According to our international survey, more than 73% of our members have lost weight since beginning OA, with an average reported weight loss of 45 pounds. As if that is not powerful enough, 54% of our members are maintaining a healthy weight, and 45% of us have done so for more than 5 years.

So for those who may be suffering from overeating, and especially during this time, I write to share information about a crucial and readily available avenue of support that has been the backbone in my recovery journey – the twelve-step fellowship program called Overeaters Anonymous.

When I first arrived at an OA meeting, I was encouraged to accept the problem, stop analyzing it, and move forward to a solution. Using the recovery processes of OA, which is patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous, I learned how the twelve-step program works for compulsive eaters, bulimics, under eaters, and over exercisers very much as it does for alcoholics. I saw my old compulsive behaviors loosen their grip on me as they were replaced by a sense of peace and serenity. Through the support of my fellows, I learned how to live my life without the need for excess food and compulsive food behaviors.

It’s the fellowship that makes all the difference. OA is always there, providing all the reinforcement and support I could ever want. The authenticity of the support comes from others who have experienced the same woes and have found a way out.

If you feel doubtful, I understand. I felt that way, too, and I likely would not have attended my first OA meeting if I felt there were any other way out. Yet, when I gave the OA program a try I found something much more than I had dared hope for. I found myself moving beyond the food and gaining a healthier, happier, more satisfying way of life. It works for our members, it worked for me, and it can work for you, too.

On behalf of OAMAI, we look forward to welcoming and accepting anyone who suffers from compulsive eating behaviors, no matter the circumstances. Because of the continued health risks associated with COVID-19, we are offering regular web- and telephone-based meetings in place of our standard face-to-face meetings. Additionally, we are offering a web-based Newcomers Workshop on July 18 from 10 am – 12 noon, designed to introduce new and prospective members to the OA program of recovery from compulsive eating. We invite you to reach out to us for information about joining the virtual workshop.

As always, the anonymity of all members – prospective and longtime alike – is assured. There are no obligations. Our hope is for you to find what works for you. If you have any questions, please visit our website at http://oamilwaukee.org/ or call us at (414) 259-0640 to learn more.

By Tara S., an anonymous member of Overeaters Anonymous from Waukesha County

About Overeaters Anonymous:

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength, and hope, are recovering from compulsive overeating. OA welcomes everyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. OA is not affiliated with any public or private organization, political movement, ideology, or religious doctrine. The primary purpose of OA is to help members abstain from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors and to carry the message of recovery through the Twelve Steps of OA to those who still suffer.

About Overeaters Anonymous Milwaukee Area Intergroup:

The Milwaukee Area Intergroup of Overeaters Anonymous (OAMAI) is the local affiliation of the international organization. It serves members who reside in the eastern half of Wisconsin including the Milwaukee Metropolitan Area, areas south to the state border and areas north to Green Bay and beyond. Newcomers are always welcome to attend any of the local support groups. For more information on the groups and OA in general, please visit www.OAMilwaukee.org, email publicinformation@OAMilwaukee.org or call 414-259-0640.