WHO IS OA
Overaters Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women from all walks of life who meet in order to help solve a common
problem---- compulsive overeating. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop eating.

HOW DID OA START
In January 1960, three people living in LA began meeting for the purpose of helping each other with their eating problems.
They had tried everything else and failed. The program they followed was and continues to be patterned after the Alcoholics
Anonymous program. From that first meeting, OA has grown until today there are thousands of meeting in the United States,
Canada and other countries throughout the world.

HOW DO OA MEMBERS LOSE WEIGHT AND MAINTAIN THIER NORMAL WEIGHT
The concept of abstinence is the basis of OA's program of recovery. By admitting inability to control compulsive overeating in the
past and abandoning the idea that all one needs to be able to eat normally is "a little willpower," it becomes possible to abstain from
overeating---one day at a time. OA offers the newcomer support in dealing with both the physical and emotional symptoms of
compulsive overeating. For weight loss, any medically approved eating plan is acceptable.

HOW IS OA FUNDED
Overeater Anonymous has no dues of fees for membership. It is entirely self supporting through contributions. Most groups
"pass the bucket" at meetings to cover expenses. OA does not solicit or accept outside contributions.

WHY IS OA "anonymous"
Anonymity allows the fellowship to govern itself through principles rather than personalities. Social and economic status has no
relevance in OA; we are all compulsive overeaters. Anonymity at the level of press, radio, television and other media of
communication provides assurance that OA membership will not be disclosed.

IS OA A RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION
Overeaters Anonymous has no religious requirements, affiliation or orientation. The twelve-step program of recovery is considered
"spiritual" because it deals with inner change. OA has members of many different religious beliefs as well as some atheists and
agnostics.

WHERE CAN I FIND OA
Look for Overeaters Anonymous in the white pages of your local telephone directory and in your local newspaper's social or
calendar section. You can also contact us at 520-733-080 or www.oasouthernaz.org