Overeaters Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women from all walks of life who meet in order to help solve a common problem, compulsive overeating. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively. OA is a non-profit international organization that provides volunteer support groups worldwide. Patterned after the Twelve Step Alcoholics Anonymous program, the OA recovery program addresses physical, emotional and spiritual recovery aspects of compulsive overeating. Members are encouraged to seek professional help for individual diet/nutrition plans and for any emotional or physical problems.

In January 1960, three people living in southern California began meeting for the purpose of helping each other with their eating problems. They had tried everything else and failed. The program they followed was patterned after the Alcoholics Anonymous program. From that first meeting, OA has grown until today there are approximately 9000 meeting groups in over 50 countries throughout the world.

Overeaters Anonymous has no dues or fees for membership. It is entirely self-supporting through contributions and sale of publications. Most groups "pass the basket" at meetings to cover expenses. OA does not solicit or accept outside contributions.

OA has no central government and a minimum of formal organization. At the local, regional, and international levels responsible members serve OA and its fellowship by volunteering to organize and lead meetings, conduct activities and sit on the Board of Trustees.

The World Service Office is a service center whose main function is to carry the OA message to the many compulsive overeaters who still suffer. The World Service Office publishes and distributes literature, maintains records on all registered groups, intergroups, regions and national service boards, and issuesmeeting directories. The World Service Office also acts as a public information clearing house.

For all meetings worldwide, you may contact the World Service Office:

Overeaters Anonymous
P.O. Box 44020
Rio Rancho, New Mexico  87124-4020 USA
Telephone: (505) 891-2664
Fax: (505) 891-4320
E-Mail: overeatr@technet.nm.org

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."