Overeaters Anonymous offers a 12-step program for weight loss based upon the spiritual principles of willingness, humility, honesty, hope and spiritual awareness, according to the organization's website. The program is offered at local chapters in more than 75 countries, including the United States and Canada.
Identification
OA's 12-step program for weight loss is a free system that teaches you how to uncover and overcome the spiritual, physical and emotional imbalances that cause you to overeat and remain overweight, according to its website. You participate in the program by attending local OA meetings and practicing the 12 steps outlined in the group sessions. You also receive an OA sponsor who helps you maintain your day-to-day goal of not overeating.
Theory
OA's website says its 12 steps give you practical guidelines to help you live well without indulging in excess food. You implement the 12 steps by first admitting that you are powerless over your food intake. Second, you wholeheartedly admit that you can stop overeating with the help of your choice of a higher power. This higher power removes the character defects that keep you from eating normally, and leads you to a "spiritual awakening" that allows you to maintain your new command over the binge eating that makes you overweight, says OA. You also practice other steps such as continuously assessing your spiritual and mental outlook in relation to your weight, staying on track with the right diet choices and making amends with the people you have hurt because of your overeating.
Methodology
OA does not condone any specific eating plan. Instead, OA recommends that you ask your doctor and a registered dietitian to help you develop an appropriate eating plan that matches your personal likes, lifestyle and medical condition. You use your medically prescribed treatment plan on your own while you receive ongoing support from OA meetings, daily 12-step practice and individual mentoring from your OA sponsor. You do not even have to give your name at OA meetings. You can remain anonymous at gatherings and you do not have to subject yourself to any public weigh-ins or assessments of your current weight.
Expert Insight
U.S. weight-loss medical researcher S. Weiner of California State University in Dominguez Hills, California says that the same personality traits that place you at high risk for substance abuse can place you at high risk for overeating. Therefore, Weiner says that OA's 12 steps can help you lose weight by providing you with the positive, self-nurturing mental and emotional outlook that you need to overcome your food addiction, as published in the February 1998 edition of the "Journal of Clinical Psychology."
Warning
Speak with your doctor about the benefits and drawbacks of OA's 12-step program for weight loss before you begin the program. Your doctor might suggest another weight reduction program based upon your individual needs, or want to see you regularly to monitor your health as you employ the 12 steps.
