Evaluating Diet Plans Focused on Calorie Restriction for the Elderly
A Support System for Compulsive Overeaters: Overeaters Anonymous
Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is an international, nonprofit organization that offers a support system for people struggling with compulsive overeating. Established in 1960, OA is unique as it is not a traditional diet plan, but rather a fellowship designed for those with a history of uncontrollable food intake[1].
Structure and 12-Step Program
OA follows a 12-step recovery model, originally adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous. The program is designed to help members achieve and maintain abstinence from compulsive eating behaviors[1]. Key elements include:
- Working through the 12 steps, which focus on admitting powerlessness over compulsive eating, seeking spiritual growth, making amends, and continuous personal inventory.
- Abstinence, often defined individually by members but generally involving avoiding binge or compulsive eating.
- Regular attendance at meetings (over 6,500 weekly worldwide) for mutual support.
- Developing a deliberate food plan with weighing and measuring food as needed.
- Having a sponsor for guidance.
- Introspection and writing for personal expression and investigation.
- Reading OA literature for inspiration[1].
Demographics
OA has approximately 60,000 members worldwide, with groups in over 75 countries[1]. Membership is diverse, reflecting broad international participation. The focus is not primarily on diet or calorie counting but on abstinence from compulsive eating triggered by specific foods or behaviors.
Members experience average weight loss ranging from 40 to 99 pounds attributed to working the program[1]. OA emphasizes that abstinence and spirituality are strongly correlated with members' self-reported success in recovery from compulsive eating[1].
While specific demographic information (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity) is not provided in the sources, the worldwide reach and widespread meeting availability indicate accessibility to a broad population. OA operates as a peer-supported fellowship rather than a professional treatment program[1][2].
Programme Features
The OA program does not provide a specific diet plan or calorie counting. Instead, members are encouraged to develop a personal eating plan based on their own preferences and lifestyle. Members are also recommended to work with a nutritionist to create an individual diet plan[1].
OA is self-supported through contributions and the sale of publications. One of its publications is an international monthly magazine called Lifeline, which includes true stories by OA members[1].
Not for Everyone
OA is not suitable for everyone. It is for people who admit to having serious problems with food and likely have the emotional baggage that comes with that. Overeaters Anonymous is not for someone just trying to lose a few pounds or someone who needs to lose weight through a gradual increase in calorie intake or a drop in activity[1].
Experts have reservations about the loosely knit organization and rule-free atmosphere of OA, but some argue that it may offer much-needed support during recovery[1].
The Richard Simmons Diet, a well-known diet plan, is not directly related to OA and does not factor into the context of this article.
In conclusion, Overeaters Anonymous provides a unique support system for people struggling with compulsive overeating. With over 6,500 groups meeting in more than 65 countries, OA offers a structured recovery program, emphasizing abstinence, spiritual growth, and peer support.
- The 12-step recovery model followed by Overeaters Anonymous (OA) focuses on admitting powerlessness over compulsive eating, seeking spiritual growth, making amends, and continuous personal inventory.
- Members of Overeaters Anonymous attend regular meetings worldwide, ranging from discussing their struggles with compulsive eating, developing a deliberate food plan, and having a sponsor for guidance.
- Overeaters Anonymous has a diverse membership, with groups in over 75 countries, and the program emphasizes abstinence from compulsive eating rather than diet or calorie counting.
- Members of Overeaters Anonymous are encouraged to work with a nutritionist to create a personal eating plan and nutrition is an important aspect of their recovery.
- The OA program does not provide a specific diet plan, but instead encourages members to base their eating plan on their own preferences and lifestyle.
- Overeaters Anonymous may offer much-needed support during recovery for those struggling with compulsive eating, but may not be suitable for everyone, as it requires admitting to having serious problems with food.
