Do You Have a Problem with Food?
This series of questions may help you determine if you are a compulsive eater. Many OA members have found that they answered yes to many of these questions. We suggest you answer them honestly as you consider if OA might be for you. (Please note: There are no registrations, weigh-ins, fees or obligations of membership.)
- Do I eat when I’m not hungry, or not eat when my body needs nourishment?
- Do I go on eating binges for no apparent reason, sometimes eating until I’m stuffed or even feel sick?
- Do I have feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment about my weight or the way I eat?
- Do I eat sensibly in front of others and then make up for it when I am alone?
- Is my eating affecting my health or the way I live my life?
- When my emotions are intense — whether positive or negative — do I find myself reaching for food?
- Do my eating behaviors make me or others unhappy?
- Have I ever used laxatives, vomiting, diuretics, excessive exercise, diet pills, shots or other medical interventions (including surgery) to try to control my weight?
- Do I fast or severely restrict my food intake to control my weight?
- Do I fantasize about how much better life would be if I were a different size or weight?
- Do I need to chew or have something in my mouth all the time: food, gum, mints, candies or beverages?
- Have I ever eaten food that is burned, frozen or spoiled; from containers in the grocery store; or out of the garbage?
- Are there certain foods I can’t stop eating after having the first bite?
- Have I lost weight with a diet or “period of control” only to be followed by bouts of uncontrolled eating and/or weight gain?
- Do I spend too much time thinking about food, arguing with myself about whether or what to eat, planning the next diet or exercise cure, or counting calories?
What Do I Do?
Did you answer “yes” to several questions? If you think OA might be for you, we strongly encourage you to read more until you make contact with an OA member, either by phone or in person. Together we get better. Isolation brings more of the same. We hope you choose to get better, along with us! In no particular order, here are some steps you could take:
- Read our “Newcomer’s Welcome“
- Read “Our Invitation to You“
- Read blog articles
- Review our most recent Membership Survey Report
- Find a local meeting and call the contact person
- Attend a local meeting
- Find and attend a phone or online meeting
- Find and attend a local or virtual workshop – Newcomers Workshop or Sober Eating Workshop
- Call us at 414-259-0640 or email us with any questions
- Watch a short video, “I Feel Guilty” – I go on Binges
- Listen to the podcast, Hearing is Believing
- Browse our podcast page
- Visit our Facebook Page
- Subscribe to our monthly newsletter
Please note: There are no registrations, weigh-ins, fees or obligations of membership.