Overeaters Anonymous, a support group started in 1960, is a worldwide fellowship offering support to thousands of individuals dealing with various eating disorders _ including compulsive eating, anorexia and bulimia.
OA is patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous, having adapted the 12 steps of AA to pertain to food. OA is a self-supporting group, accepting free-will donations to help cover the cost of brochures and donations to the meeting site.
To the surprise of many, OA is not a diet club. There are no weigh-ins or diets to follow. Rather, each member designs his or her own food plan to meet his or her individual needs. For example, if someone had a compulsion to binge on sugar, that person may opt to eliminate or limit sugar from his or her diet. OA members are encouraged, as needed, to seek medical advice and/or counseling services elsewhere, as OA does not provide such services.
Locally, OA offers support to many individuals of all ages, sizes and backgrounds _ each with his or her own personal story.
Edna, an Oneonta resident, has been attending a local OA meeting for the past 14 months and has lost 45 pounds.
"I've tried just about every commercial weight loss plan out there and for me, this has been the most successful in controlling my eating and weight loss. This is not a diet or weight-loss program," she added. "There are emotional and spiritual components as well."
That is where the 12 steps come into play. However, OA does not require that individuals be of a specific religion or belief. OA is designed to allow individuals to develop their own spiritual values, which is a key component for many.
Anonymity is another important component of OA. "At the meetings people know you by your first name only," Edna said. "This allows for a very comfortable and safe atmosphere."
Over the course of time, Edna has become a sponsor of other individuals attending OA. Sponsors work with members on a daily basis, assisting them in developing a daily food plan. Sponsors offer advice, guidance and provide accountability. "I love being a sponsor," Edna said. "The encouragement works both ways."
A simple phone call or e-mail is all it takes to stay in touch.
Nancy, of Oneonta, commented that, "OA is a great group for me. It meets not only my physical and emotional needs but spiritual as well. It's a way of life."
In agreement with Edna and Nancy is Cindy, also of Oneonta. Cindy has been an OA member for the past 16 months and seen great success.
Getting to the "root" of the problem has been the key for Cindy.
"OA is not an I' group but a we' group _ a place where we can gather together and draw from each other," Cindy said. "OA meetings have helped me to reach out to others. The more I reach out, the more I receive."
OA is not only for women; it has a number of male members as well. George, of Laurens, has been an OA member for about 20 years and has seen a weight loss between 120 to 130 pounds.
"When you're overweight, you can't do the things you want and used to," George said. "OA has changed my life, it is a great support group."
George said that someone visiting OA should attend about six meetings before deciding if it is the right group for him or her. "If you attend enough meetings," George said, "you will eventually hear your story and know exactly what that person is going through."
If you or someone you know would like to find out more information about Overeaters Anonymous, visit the group online at www.oa.org. OA offers online meetings along with local meetings. In Oneonta, there are meetings at 7 p.m. Mondays at The Turning Point at 22 Elm St. and at noon Wednesdays at St. James' Church at 305 Main St. In Sidney, OA meetings are on Fridays at 7 p.m. at the Alliance Church at 6 Circle Drive.
Call 432-0595, 432-6217 or 643-1085 for more information.
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