Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is a Twelve Step program for people identifying themselves as "powerless over food" including, but not limited to, compulsive overeaters, those with binge eating disorder, bulimics and anorexics. OA was founded by Rozanne S. and two other women in January, 1960. OA's headquarters (World Service Office) are located in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.^[1][2] OA estimates its membership at 70,000 and is active in over 70 countries. OA has developed its own literature but also uses the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) books Alcoholics Anonymous^[3] and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.^[4] The Twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles for recovery from addictive, compulsive, or behavioural problems, originally developed by the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous (abbreviated A.A.) to guide recovery from alcoholism. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... It has been suggested that Binge eating be merged into this article or section. ... Bulimia nervosa, commonly known as bulimia, is an eating disorder. ... For the symphonic black metal band, see Anorexia Nervosa (band) For other uses, see Anorexia Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes an eating disorder characterized by low body weight and body image distortion with an obsessive fear of gaining weight. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... 1960 (MCMLX) was a leap year starting on Friday (the link is to a full 1960 calendar). ... Rio Rancho, (Spanish: Río Rancho) a city northwest of Albuquerque, is the largest city and economic hub of Sandoval County in the U.S. state of New Mexico. ... Logo for AA Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an informal society for recovering alcoholics. ...

Definitions

OA defines compulsion as any "impulse or feeling of being irresistibly driven toward the performance of some irrational action."^[2] OA further defines compulsive eating as a progressive, addictive illness. Much like AA's position on alcoholism, OA believes compulsive overeating is chronic and is done in an effort to alleviate psychological stress.^[2]

Clinically, eating disorders are evaluated using instruments like the Questionnaire of Eating and Weight Patterns (QEWP), which has specialized versions for adolscents and parents (QEWP-A, and QEWP-P). In addition to evaluating eating patterns, the tests also measure depression.^[5] Clinical depression (also called major depressive disorder, or unipolar depression when compared to bipolar disorder) is a state of intense sadness, melancholia or despair that has advanced to the point of being disruptive to an individuals social functioning and/or activities of daily living. ...

Demographics

Recent studies of OA members have found 84% identified as binge eaters, 15% as bulimic, and 1% as anorexic. An earlier study found 44.5% identified as binge eathers, 40.7% as bulimic, and 14.8% as anorexic. Researchers have found the percentage of males in OA has increased from 9% in 1981 to 16% in 2001. This is generally inline with estimates made by the APA that the male to female ratio of those with eating disorders ranges from 1:6 to 1:10. Most OA members are white and highly educated. Some researchers have speculated the racial disparity is related to cultural perceptions of obesity.^[2] Whites redirects here. ...

The typical OA member surveyed works in a full-time capacity. Homemakers only comprise 6% of the population, in contrast to 30% of those surveyed in 1981. This vividly reflects the trend in our society for increasing numbers of females to be employed outside of the home. Further, 80% of today’s participants have attained a college degree, far surpassing the 59% of those attaining the degree in 1981. Another noteworthy change is reflected in the percentage of those divorced or separated. This number has risen from 10% in 1981 to 21% in 2001. It is apparent that greater gender equality over the last twenty years has significantly contributed to myriad demographic changes, yielding both positive and negative consequences.^[2]

Comorbidity

Bulimic females typically have a less favorable opinion of themselves than in control samples. They are more pessimistic, more ambivalent towards others, strive for less recognition in areas that are socially significant or require leadership. However, bulimic females do express a need to solicit sympathy, affection, and emotional support. Patients with eating disorders are more likely to have personality disorders and those that are have a greater risk to be diagnosed with mood or substance abuse disorders. Sexual abuse is also frequently reported among those with eating disorders. Women with eating disorders show greater poorer eating self-efficacy, psychological distress, depression, disinhibition, low self-esteem, less helpful coping strategies, more hunger, and less cognitive restraint when compared to control groups. Research has shown a correlation between the severity of binge eating, depression, anxiety, shame, and guilt. Though no studies have definitively shown a causal link between depression and eating disorders, some researchers have speculated that binge eating is a response to emotional distress a pattern mimiced in alcoholism. ^[2] Personality disorders form a class of mental disorders that are characterized by long-lasting rigid patterns of thought and behaviour. ... This article includes a list of works cited or a list of external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ... It has been suggested that the section Shame campaign from the article Smear campaign be merged into this article or section. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Those who suffer from binge-eating disorder usually gain back all of the weight they one lost and sometimes more. OA Has been good for women with bulimia. Moreover, sexual abuse is reported more often in woman with eating disorders than in women from the general population. All patients with binge eating disorder have a harder time adhering to traditional weight-loss treatment, and are more likely to regain weight after it's been lost. The stereotypical bulimic is well educated, good-looking, high achieving and a perfectionist. Bulimics are generally raised in dysfunctional families. Many patients also display alexithymia, the inability to consciously experience and express emotions^[2] A dysfunctional family is a family in which conflict, misbehaviour and even abuse on the part of individual members of the family occur continually, leading other members to accommodate such actions. ... Alexithymia (pronounced: ) from the Greek words λεξις and θυμος, literally without words for emotions) was a term coined by Peter Sifneos in 1973[1][2] to describe people who appeared to have deficiencies in understanding, processing, or describing their emotions. ... Its over and done But the heartache lives on inside And who is the one your clinging to instead of me tonight And where are you now Now that I need you Tears on my pillow Wherever you go Cry me a river that leads to your oceans Youll never...

Addiction

The same personality factors that place individuals at risk for substance abuse are often found in individuals with eating disorders. With addiction and eating disorders there is a need to discharge affective experience through action rather than feeling or being able to talk about them, an inability to regulate tension, the need for immediate gratification, poor impulsive control, and a fragile sense of self. Often in those with eating disorders and substance abuse problems drugs or alcohol is used in attempts to avoid binge eating. Similarly, those with eating disorders may deny their problem or attempt to keep it a secret, much like addicts try to conceal their drug and alcohol usage. Similar to genetic components of addiction, there is a large genetic component to body type.^[2]

During binges compulsive overeaters consume as much as 5,000 calories and up to 60,000 calories per day, which results an an addictive "high" not unlike those experienced through drug usage, and a release from psychological stress. In bulimics this high may be intensified by the act of purging. Some researchers have speculated that in binge eaters there is an abnormality of endorphin metabolism in the brain that triggers the addictive process. This is inline with other theories of addiction which attribute it not to avoidance of withdrawal symptoms, but to a primary problem in the reward centers of the brain. Further, research has shown that those with eating disorders most often crave "comfort foods" which are high in carbohydrates during binges. The ingestion of these foods caused release of the neurotransmitter, serotonin. This could be another sign of neurobiological factors contributing to the addictive process. Abstinence from addictive food and food eating processes causes withdrawal symptoms in those with eating disorders. There may be higher levels of depression and anxiety due to the decreased levels of serotonin in the individual.^[2] Bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder more commonly known as bulimia, is a psychological condition in which the subject engages in recurrent binge eating followed by intentionally doing one or more of the following in order to compensate for the intake of the food and prevent weight gain: vomiting inappropriate use... Runners high redirects here. ... Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter synthesized in serotonergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal tract of animals including humans. ...

There are complexities with the biology of compulsive eating that separate it form a pure substance abuse anology. Food is a complex mixture of chemicals that can affect the body in multiple ways, which is magnified stomach-brain communication. In some ways, it may be much more difficult for compulsive overeaters to recover than addicts. There is an anecdotal saying among OA members that "when you are addicted to drugs you put the tiger in the cage to recover; when you are addicted to food you put the tiger in the cage, but take it out three times a day for a walk."^[2]

OA, like all other Twelve Step programs, symbolically understands human structure in three dimensions: physical, mental, and spiritual. The disorders and diseases the groups deal with are understood to manifest themselves in each dimension. Emotionally it is not "eating down" feelings, it is considered to be the "inner hunger."^[6] They physical explanation of compulsive overeating attributes the person's problem to an increased tendency to secrete insulin at the sight and smell of food. Though medical evidence supporting this is controversial, and most OA groups do not dwell on biological explanations. Rather OA emphasizes the psychological and spiritual components instead.^[7]

Developmental etiology

Research from a family systems perspective indicates that eating disorders stem from both the adolescent's difficulty in separating from over-controlling parents, and disturbed patterns of communication. When parents are critical and unaffectionate, the child is more prone to becoming self-destructive and self-critical, having difficulty developing the skills to engage in self-care giving behaviors. Such developmental failures in early relationships with others, particularly maternal empathy, impairs the development of an internal sense of self and leads to an over-dependence on the environment. When coping strategies have not been developed in the family system, food and drugs serve as a substitute.^[2][7]

Recovery tools and strategies

The so called "tools" of OA include attendance at OA meetings, reading/writing from the Twelve Step literature, adhering to a food plan, having a sponsor, giving service, taking time for prayer and meditation, sponsorship, and making phone calls to other members. They are considered critical to obtaining and maintaining abstinence.^[2]

Meetings offer a consensual validation and serve to diminish feelings of guilt ans shame. A sponsor provides guidance through the OA program and support where necessary, but gradually encourages autonomy in the sponsee. A sponsor strives to make her job obsolete.^[8] The word validation has several uses: In general, validation is the process of checking if something satisfies a certain criterion. ...

Food plans

Each OA member is encouraged to find his or her own foods, food ingredients, or eating behaviors, that cause uncontrollable cravings, and to abstain from them. Though OA cautions against foods containing excessive sugar, alcohol, and wheat. "Abstinence" in OA is not straying from one's food plan, and avoiding "binge-triggering" foods. Research has found that OA members with excessively rigid plans are not likely to remain abstinent. It is suggested that new members start with a some-what rigid plan that becomes increasingly more flexible approach the end of a year in the program.^[8] Magnification of grains of sugar, showing their monoclinic hemihedral crystalline structure. ... Functional group of an alcohol molecule. ... Species T. aestivum T. boeoticum T. compactum T. dicoccoides T. dicoccon T. durum T. monococcum T. spelta T. sphaerococcum T. timopheevii References:   ITIS 42236 2002-09-22 For the indie rock group see: Wheat (band). ...

Correlations with maintaining abstinence

Research has identified a number of OA practices significantly correlating with maintaining abstinence in OA: adherence to a food plan (including weighing and measuring food), communication with other members (specifically sponsors), spending time in prayer and meditation, performing service work, completing the fourth step, completing the ninth step, writing down thoughts and feelings, attending meetings, reading OA/AA liteature, and the educational status of the participant. Researchers have therefore concluded that application of OA practices might directly help promote abstinence and reduce the frequency of relapse in those with binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa.^[2]

The fourth and ninth steps have been compared to confession and penitence. Many, notably Michel Foucault, noted such practices "produces intrinsic modifications in the person" and exonerates, redeems, purifies them; it unburdens them of their wrongs, liberates them and promises their salvation.^[2] Modern confessional in the Church of the Holy Name, Dunedin, New Zealand. ... Penance (via Old French penance from the Latin Poenitentia, the same root as penitence, which in English means repentance, the desire to be forgiven, see contrition; in many languages only one single word is derived) is, strictly, repentance of sins as well as the actual name of the Catholic Sacrament... Michel Foucault (IPA pronunciation: ) (October 15, 1926 – June 25, 1984) was a French philosopher and historian. ...

Honesty

Though not found in research to be significant, a number of OA members responded that honesty was a very important OA practice. Researchers have noted the high level of honesty at OA meetings and pointed out that working the Twelve Steps reinforces this quality.^[2]

Spirituality

Some researchers have found that in spite of its perceived high importance to the program that spirituality does not correlate with measures of weight loss, while others have found somewhat contradictory conclusions. In particular and increased sense of spirituality was correlated with positive gains in eating attitudes, less body shape concerns, and positive psychological and social functioning. However, measures of religiosity and particular religious affiliations have never been found to correlate with treatment outcomes. ^[2][8][9]

Demographic abstinence differences

Some research has found the average length of abstinence for bulimics in OA was significantly higher than the average length for binge eaters. Paradoxically, bulimics were also found to attend fewer meetings, and had less of a commitment to write their thoughts and feelings down daily. However, The frequency of relapse for bulimics and binge eaters was not significant. The differences may be explained by the predictable nature of the bulimic cycle. Other research has found binge eaters in OA had better success than bulimics. Most OA members who have reported negative experiences in the program are anorexic. This could be caused by OA's focus on problems of eating too much rather than too little. Some OA practices, such as refraining from eating certain kinds of foods, are antithetical in the case of anorexics. Though, most anorexics have a previous history of bulimia.^[2][10]

Results

The average weight loss of participants in OA has been found to be 21.8 pounds. Survey results sho that 90% of OA has responded that their lives have improved either "somewhat, much, or very much" in their emotional, spiritual, career, and social lives. OA's emphasis on group commitment and psychological and spiritual development provided a framework for developing positive, adaptive, and self-nurturing treatment opportunities.^[2][8]

Changes in worldview

Changes in worldview are believe to be critical for individuals in the recovery process, as they are generally accompanied by significant behavioral changes. According, several research have identified world view transformation in members of various self-help groups engaged in addiction issues. Such research describes "worldview" has having four domains: (1) experience of self; (2) Universal Order/God; (3) relationships with others; (4) perception of the problem. In OA members changed their beliefs that (1) "it is bad to eat" to "one must eat to say alive and should not feel guilty about it"; (2) "one is simply overweight and needs to lose pounds" to "one has underlying psychological and interpersonal problems"; (3) "one must deprecate oneself, deprive oneself, please other people" to "it is okay to express positive feelings about oneself and take care of one's needs"; (4) "food is the answer to all problems, the source of solace" to "psychological and emotional needs should be fulfilled in relationships with people"; "I am a person who eats uncontrollably" to "I am someone who has limitations and does not ear what is harmful for me."^[11]

Understanding of control

The act of binging and purging provides the bulimic with the illusion that she can regain a sense of control. Binge eating has also been described as a "futile attempt to restock depleted emotional stores, when attempts at doing everything perfectly have failed." The self-destructive behavior of injecting intoxicating drugs parallels overeating in that it permits the user not only to experience comfort, but to feel deservedly punished when through.^[2]

In relationships, many OA members attested to trying to obtain absolute control of their own lives and those of others. Paradoxically, OA member's experience of themselves was also characterized by strong feelings of personal failure, dependence, despair, stress, nervousness, low self-esteem, powerlessness, lack of control, self-pity, frustration and loneliness. As part of these feelings, the self was perceived as being both a victim of circumstances and a victim of the attitude of others. Many members viewed this lack of esteem as deriving from their external appearance. Harsh self-criticism is a typical characteristic, accompanied by feelings of "I don't deserve it," and "I'm worth less than others." Such feelings were found to have a dominant influence on the structure of relationships with others.^[11]

The members describe their sense of relaxation and liberation and the concomitant growing value of restraint and modesty in their lives. Their testimonies show that, paradoxically, it is by becoming aware of their powerlessness and accepting that the self's basic limitations that they start to feel the recovering self's growing power. At the same time, personal responsibility replaces self-pity and the expectation that others will act for the good of the individual. In this attitude, egocentricity and exaggerated, false self-confidence perpetuate the problem that led them to join OA. While eating disorder was active many OA members claimed that their experience of self was composed of an obsessive aspiration for perfection that concealed their sense of worthlessness.^[11]

Comparisons

The primary difference between Twelve Step work and cognitive-behavioral therapy lies is the acceptance of a Higher Power and providing peer support. A large study, known as Project Match, the two approaches as well as motivational enhancement therapy in treating alcoholics. The Twelve Step programs were found to be more effective in promoting abstinence. However, some researchers have found that cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most effective treatment for bulimics. But the two approaches are not mutually exclusive.^[2] Peer support is a support initiative, normally within a school or university, to help pupils deal with issues such as bullying, stress, or other problems that they may come across while at school. ... Cognitive therapy or cognitive behavior therapy is a kind of psychotherapy used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, and other forms of psychological disorder. ...

OA is most appropriate for patients who need intensive emotional support in losing weight. Each OA group has it's own character and prospective members should be encouraged to sample several groups.^[12]

Criticism

OA is different from group therapy in that it does not allow its participants to express their feelings about and directly to each other during meetings. OA meetings are intended to provide a forum for the expression of experience, strength and hope in an environment of of safety and simplicity.^[2] Warning signs, such as this one, can improve safety awareness. ... Simplicity is the property, condition, or quality of being simple or un-combined. ...

Feminist

OA has been the target of severe feminist criticism for its encouragement that bulimic and binge eating women accept powerlessness over food. They claim that the perception of powerlessness adversely affects women's ongoing struggle for empowerment. Similarly, they claimed that teaching people they are powerless is liable to encourage passivity and prevent binge eaters and bulimics from developing coping skills. Moreover, these effects would be most devastating for women who have suffered oppression, distress, and self-hatred. In these criticism Twelve Step programs are described as inherently male organizations that require female members force to accept self-abasing, powerlessness, external focus, and rejection of responsibility inherent in male religion and politics. Surrender is described as invoking images of women passively submitting their lives to male doctors, teachers, and ministers. Alternatively, they suggest that women would do better to focus on pride than on humility.^[2][11]

Fanaticism

Opponents of Twelve Step programs argue that members become cult-like in there adherence to the program, which can have a destructive influence, isolating those in the programs. Moreover this kind of fanaticism may lead to perception that other treatment modalities are unnecessary. Surveys of OA members has found that they exercise regularly, attend religious services, engage in individual psychotherapy and are being prescribed antidepressants. This is evidence that participants do not avoid other useful therapeutic interventions outside of Twelve Step programs.^[2]

Vagueness of abstinence in OA

The concept of abstinence in OA has been criticized for its inherent ambiguity. While in AA abstinence means not drinking alcohol, there is no direct analogy for compulsive eaters.^[2]

Literature

OA also publishes the book Overeaters Anonymous (referred to as the "Brown Book"), The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, For Today (a book of daily meditations), the OA Journal for Recovery, a monthly periodical known as Lifeline, and several other books.^[2] The following list is comprehensive.

• Overeaters Anonymous (January 2001). Overeaters Anonymous. Torrance, California: Overeaters Anonymous, Incorporated. ISBN 1889681024. OCLC 47722165. 
• Overeaters Anonymous (October 1993). The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous. Torrance, California: Overeaters Anonymous. ISBN 0960989862. OCLC 30004811. 
• Overeaters Anonymous (1995). Journal to Recovery (Overeaters Anonymous). ISBN 0960989889. 
• Overeaters Anonymous (October 1994). Abstinence: Members of Overeaters Anonymous Share Their Experience, Strength, and Hope. Rio Rancho, New Mexico: Overeaters Anonymous. ISBN 0960989870. OCLC 32666911. 
• Overeaters Anonymous (April 1993). The Twelve-Step Workbook of Overeaters Anonymous. Torrance, California: Overeaters Anonymous. ISBN 0960989854. OCLC 30170467. 
• Overeaters Anonymous (October 1990). Twelve Steps of Overeaters Anonymous. Torrance, California: Overeaters Anonymous. ISBN 0960989838. OCLC 22811051. 
• Overeaters Anonymous (1998). A New Beginning: Stories of Recovery from Relapse. Rio Rancho, New Mexico: Overeaters Anonymous. ISBN 1889681016. OCLC 40664593. 

Location of Torrance in the County of Los Angeles Country United States State California County Los Angeles County, California Government  - Mayor Frank Scotto Area  - City 20. ... OCLC Online Computer Library Center was founded in 1967 and originally named the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC). ... Location of Torrance in the County of Los Angeles Country United States State California County Los Angeles County, California Government  - Mayor Frank Scotto Area  - City 20. ... OCLC Online Computer Library Center was founded in 1967 and originally named the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC). ... Rio Rancho, (Spanish: Río Rancho) a city northwest of Albuquerque, is the largest city and economic hub of Sandoval County in the U.S. state of New Mexico. ... OCLC Online Computer Library Center was founded in 1967 and originally named the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC). ... Location of Torrance in the County of Los Angeles Country United States State California County Los Angeles County, California Government  - Mayor Frank Scotto Area  - City 20. ... OCLC Online Computer Library Center was founded in 1967 and originally named the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC). ... Location of Torrance in the County of Los Angeles Country United States State California County Los Angeles County, California Government  - Mayor Frank Scotto Area  - City 20. ... OCLC Online Computer Library Center was founded in 1967 and originally named the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC). ... Rio Rancho, (Spanish: Río Rancho) a city northwest of Albuquerque, is the largest city and economic hub of Sandoval County in the U.S. state of New Mexico. ... OCLC Online Computer Library Center was founded in 1967 and originally named the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC). ...

See also

• Jenny Craig
• TOPS
• Weight Watchers

Jenny Craig on the cover of her book. ... This article is about the non-profit organization TOPS Club, Inc. ... Weight Watchers NYSE: WTW, founded in the 1960s by Jean Nidetch, is a company offering various dieting products and services to assist weight loss and maintenance. ...

External links

• Overeaters Anonymous

References