This series of questions may help you determine if you are a compulsive overeater. Many members of Overeaters Anonymous have found that they have answered yes to many of these questions.

• Do you eat when you're not hungry?

• Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason?

• Do you have feelings of guilt and remorse after overeating?

• Do you give too much time and thought to food?

• Do you look forward with pleasure and anticipation to the time when you can eat alone?

• Do you plan these secret binges ahead of time?

• Do you eat sensibly before others and make up for it alone?

• Is your weight affecting the way you live your life?

• Have you tried to diet for a week (or longer), only to fall short of your goal?

• Do you resent others telling you to "use a little willpower" to stop overeating?

• Despite evidence to the contrary, have you continued to assert that you can diet "on your own" whenever you wish?

• Do you crave to eat at a definite time, day or night, other than mealtime?

• Do you eat to escape from worries or trouble?

• Have you ever been treated for obesity or a food-related condition?

• Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy?

March 2000
Overeaters Anonymous, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission of Overeaters Anonymous, Inc.; World Service Office.
Copyright may not be reproduced in any manner without written permission of OA, Inc.