Many people find themselves developing problems with overeating. You may find yourself surrounded with fast food, unrealistic diet plans, and pressure to be thin. Due to these problems, a number of groups have popped up to provide support to overeaters. If you are an overeater, you can find help. Consult with your health care provider before following any diet plan.
Overeaters Anonymous
Overeaters Anonymous is a worldwide group with meetings in over 75 countries. If you are not comfortable going to a face-to-face meeting or there is not one available in your area, this group also provides online or telephone meetings and support. OA is adapted from the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anoymous, and relates it to overeating. The goal of this group is to provide tools and a mindset to stop overeating. The philosophy does not promote dieting or any religion (Reference 1).
National Center for Overcoming Overeating
The National Center for Overcoming Overeating provides education and resources to people who have problems with overeating. This organization was started by two psychotherapists with the goal "to end body hatred and dieting." The center has a belief that overeating has been caused by dieting, where many diet programs are unrealistic, cause people to regain the weight, and cause an unhealthy obsession with food. This group gives resources to local support groups by state for you to attend. It has offices in New York City, Chicago, New England, Houston and Atlanta, although it provides information for support groups you can attend in all 50 states. It also has an online support group if you want support from the privacy of your home (Reference 2).
Eating Disorders Online
Eating Disorders Online provides support if you are suffering from any kind of eating disorder, including overeating. This site gives resources for treatment options, referring people to support groups and treatment centers. They also provide the resource of The Eating Disorder Support Group at SupportGroups.com, an online support group community. SupportGroups.com has a group specific to binge eating as well as one for generalized eating disorder (Reference 3).
Yahoo Groups
Yahoo Groups, which are online communities of people with similar interests, offer a number of Overeater Support Groups if you are looking for support on the Internet. One is the group called Overeaters. This is not an official Overeaters Anonymous Group, but utilizes their tools to provide support for members. The Christian Overeaters Support Group provides a faith-based support group based on community prayer and support from the Bible. This group requires becoming a member before you can see its message boards. Another Yahoo Group available is called Overeaters Support Group 2, which is a support group where members post inspirational messages and support to each other. These groups are all free online communities that only require signing up to participate in posting messages.
