Running head: OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING 1
Fitzpatrick (2012) notes that a successful overeating intervention should also incorporate
cognitive-behavioral strategies (self-monitoring, etc.) as well as a focus on internal motivations
for overeating.
The mission statement of Overeaters Anonymous and the online meeting in particular
underscored inclusion, fellowship, and a no cost/obligation membership approach. It is obvious
the approach is modeled on twelve step programs for other maladaptive coping behaviors such as
abuse of narcotics. A holistic attitude is emphasized: “abstinence in OA is the action of
refraining from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors while working towards or
maintaining a healthy body weight. Spiritual, emotional, and physical recovery is the result of
living the Overeaters Anonymous Twelve Step Program” (Overeaters Anonymous, 2017). As
part of the philosophy, it was commented that diversity was encouraged, and nobody would be
excluded based on their religion or race. The serenity prayer was also employed. The
philosophy encouraged use of a sponsor and working the strategies discussed into one’s daily
life.
One drawback of the twelve step program is that it is peer driven, and the participant may
not realize that their problem is biologically based (for example, a brain tumor impacting areas of
the brain responsible for impulse control). I would be more likely to recommend this type of
meeting for someone with little social support or in a remote area of the country.
Kesten and Scherwitz (2015) suggest that an integrative model that focuses on
mindfulness techniques as well as dining with others could be paired successfully with
Overeaters Anonymous. The goal was to move the cohort away from maladaptive attitudes and
behaviors such as fast food consumption and emotional eating. A qualitative approach was
Fitzpatrick (2012) notes that a successful overeating intervention should also incorporate
cognitive-behavioral strategies (self-monitoring, etc.) as well as a focus on internal motivations
for overeating.
The mission statement of Overeaters Anonymous and the online meeting in particular
underscored inclusion, fellowship, and a no cost/obligation membership approach. It is obvious
the approach is modeled on twelve step programs for other maladaptive coping behaviors such as
abuse of narcotics. A holistic attitude is emphasized: “abstinence in OA is the action of
refraining from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors while working towards or
maintaining a healthy body weight. Spiritual, emotional, and physical recovery is the result of
living the Overeaters Anonymous Twelve Step Program” (Overeaters Anonymous, 2017). As
part of the philosophy, it was commented that diversity was encouraged, and nobody would be
excluded based on their religion or race. The serenity prayer was also employed. The
philosophy encouraged use of a sponsor and working the strategies discussed into one’s daily
life.
One drawback of the twelve step program is that it is peer driven, and the participant may
not realize that their problem is biologically based (for example, a brain tumor impacting areas of
the brain responsible for impulse control). I would be more likely to recommend this type of
meeting for someone with little social support or in a remote area of the country.
Kesten and Scherwitz (2015) suggest that an integrative model that focuses on
mindfulness techniques as well as dining with others could be paired successfully with
Overeaters Anonymous. The goal was to move the cohort away from maladaptive attitudes and
behaviors such as fast food consumption and emotional eating. A qualitative approach was
