Assessing Low-Calorie Diets for Elderly Individuals
Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is an international, nonprofit organization offering a supportive community for individuals struggling with compulsive overeating. With over 6,500 groups meeting in more than 65 countries worldwide, OA offers a structured 12-step program that mirrors those of Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous, focusing on physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery.
The program does not provide a specific diet plan or calorie counts, but it encourages members to develop a personal eating plan with the assistance of a nutritionist. This approach recognizes that each individual's journey to recovery is unique, and their dietary needs and preferences should be addressed accordingly.
OA views compulsive overeating as an addiction, similar to drinking or gambling. Membership requires a desire to stop eating compulsively, and each member has a sponsor—a recovering member of the organization—to guide and support them on their journey.
Attending meetings, stopping compulsive overeating, and following the 12-step program are considered positive actions, while continuing to compulsively overeat and failing to attend meetings are not. The organization strongly recommends that members consult a qualified professional for help in creating an individual diet plan.
The 12 steps of OA closely mirror those of AA, beginning with admitting powerlessness over food and the unmanageability of life, followed by recognizing a Power greater than oneself for recovery support. The steps emphasize a holistic approach to healing, encouraging personal work, faith, and community support.
It's important to note that OA is not suitable for individuals who may be uncomfortable or disagree with the spiritual and religious aspects of the program. The program has a strong spiritual component, with members required to surrender themselves to a higher power.
OA's membership is typically composed of middle-aged women who have struggled with compulsive overeating since their teens. However, the organization welcomes anyone who admits to having serious problems with food and the emotional baggage that comes with it.
In summary, Overeaters Anonymous is a fellowship for anyone seeking recovery from food-related issues through a structured 12-step program that addresses both the behavior and its underlying emotional and spiritual causes. The organization is self-supported through contributions and the sale of publications, including an international monthly magazine called Lifeline. If you or someone you know is struggling with compulsive overeating, OA may provide a supportive community to help with the recovery journey.
- The 12-step program of Overeaters Anonymous (OA) also mirrors those of Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous, with steps that focus not only on physical recovery but also on emotional and spiritual aspects.
- OA members are encouraged to work with a nutritionist to develop a personal eating plan, recognizing that each individual's dietary needs and preferences are unique in their recovery journey.
- Beyond weight management, OA addresses other aspects of health and wellness, such as mental health, as compulsive overeating is viewed as an addiction, similar to drinking or gambling.
- The organization's focus on nutrition, women's health, and emotional support suggests a wider scope, extending beyond compulsive overeating, into the realm of health-and-wellness and lifestyle.
- Overeaters Anonymous emphasizes a holistic approach to healing, not only tackling the behavior of compulsive overeating but also addressing the emotional and spiritual issues that fuel it.
