WHAT IS O.A.? 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.
HOW DID O.A. START? In January 1960, three people living in Los Angeles, 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 -- and continues to be -- patterned after the Alcoholics Anonymous Program. From that first meeting, OA has grown until today there are thousands of meetings in the United States, Canada, and other countries throughout the world.
HOW DO O.A. MEMBERS LOSE WEIGHT AND MAINTAIN THEIR NORMAL WEIGHT? The concept of abstinence is the basis of OA's program of recovery. By admitting inability to control compulsive overeating in the past, and abandoning the normally is a little willpower, it becomes possible to abstain from overeating -- one day at a time. OA offers the newcomer support in dealing with both the physical and emotional symptoms of compulsive overeating. For weight loss, any medically approved eating plan is acceptable.
HOW IS O.A. FUNDED? Overeaters Anonymous has no dues or fees for membership. It is entirely self-supporting through contributions. Most groups pass the basket at the meetings to cover expenses. OA does not solicit or accept outside contributions.
WHY IS O.A. ANONYMOUS? Anonymity allows the fellowship to govern itself through principles rather than personalities. Social and economic status has no relevance in O.A.; we are all compulsive overeaters. Anonymity at the level of press, radio, television, and other media of communication provides assurance that OA membership will not be disclosed.
IS O.A. A RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION? Overeaters Anonymous has no religious requirement, affiliation, or orientation. The twelve - step program of recovery is considered spiritual because it deals with inner change. OA has members of many different religious beliefs as well as some atheists and agnostics.
WHERE CAN I FIND O.A.? To find out where Overeaters Anonymous Meets in Greater Cincinnati you can call (513) 921-1922 or check our Local Cincinnati meeting list on the Home Page.
WHAT IS H.O.W. OR THE H.O.W. CONCEPT? The Overeaters Anonymous H.O.W. meetings have been formed to offer the compulsive overeater, who accepts the twelve steps and twelve traditions as a program of recovery, a disciplined and structured approach. Other methods of recovery are available within the OA fellowship. The H.O.W. Concept recommend you attend several OA meetings before you decide which approach is best for you. The OA/HOW group is formed in the belief that our disease is absolute, and therefore only absolute acceptance of the OA program will offer any substained abstinence to those of us whose compulsion has reached a critical level. The H.O.W. meetings are dedicated to the concept of remaining honest, openminded and willing to listen. This is the H.O.W. of the program. We at H.O.W. firmly understand that after our recovery has begun through abstinence and the taking of the first three steps, our further surrender to the additional steps of recovery offers us a promise of happiness, contentment, and achievement in all areas of our lives.
