Why can’t I stop eating once I start? Why can’t I lose weight? Why can’t I stop thinking about food all the time?
We understand—many of us had the same questions. In Overeaters Anonymous, we find acceptance, support, and answers. Together, we’re learning how to live free from compulsive eating. Recovery is possible. It’s working for us—and it can work for you, too.
In OA, we believe we get better together, so we reach out to help each other recover from unhealthy relationships with food and body image.
1 OA meetings are totally anonymous. We use our first names only, although some members add their last initial. Meetings are open to anyone struggling with food obsession/addiction, weight, or body image. There are no dues, fees, or any other requirements. Our Invitation to you says, Whatever your circumstances, we offer you the gift of acceptance. You are not alone anymore! Welcome to Overeaters Anonymous. Welcome home!
Whatever your struggles with food (overeating, anorexia, bulimia, bingeing, purging, restricting, excessive exercise), you are not alone. In Overeaters Anonymous, we find others who have also been deeply affected by compulsive overeating. We come together to learn from each other how to live without resorting to compulsive food behaviors.
Overeaters Anonymous Mid Peninsula meetings, in person and online, are open to everyone. Our meetings provide a supportive community for all who are seeking recovery from compulsive eating. Meetings are open to anyone and are totally anonymous. We use our first names only, although some members add their last initial. There are no dues, fees, or any other requirements.
Overeaters Anonymous professional resources provide information, education and support for professionals in healthcare, education, faith communities, human resources departments, government, social services, and other fields who work with individuals struggling with compulsive eating and disordered food behaviors.
Overeaters Anonymous supports itself through individual contributions from within our fellowship only. We stay independent by never accepting any financial support or sponsorship from outside of OA. In this way, we remain completely focused on our sole purpose – to reach out to others and let them know recovery is possible.
If you’re struggling with compulsive eating, you are not alone. The Mid-Peninsula Intergroup of Overeaters Anonymous (OA) warmly welcomes anyone who has a desire to overcome compulsive eating. Whether your struggle involves bingeing, purging, restricting, or other forms of disordered eating, our doors are open to you. Our in-person meetings are held throughout the Mid-Peninsula region—from just south of San Francisco to the northern areas of San Jose, California. In these gatherings, we come together to share our personal experiences, strength, and hope through the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous. This spiritual program of recovery has helped thousands of individuals worldwide find freedom from food obsession. Membership in OA requires only one thing: a desire to stop eating compulsively. There are no dues, fees, or weigh-ins. We are self-supporting through the voluntary contributions of our members and do not accept outside donations. This ensures that our fellowship remains free from external influence and stays focused on our primary purpose. OA is a non-affiliated, autonomous organization. We are not connected with any political, religious, or institutional entity, and we do not take positions on outside issues. Our unity and strength stem from our shared experiences and our common goal: to convey the message of recovery to those who still struggle. Wherever you are on your journey, know that healing is possible. You never have to do it alone. Join us. There is hope!
We are so glad you found us. We understand that stepping into a meeting, in-person or online, can seem scary. Take a deep breath and remember, you are not alone. Every person in the room is there for the same reason – to find out how to recover.
OA’s strength lies in its simplicity: one overeater helping another. Through a shared understanding based on our personal experience, we begin to feel understood and less isolated. OA meetings foster a sense of belonging and offer a roadmap to recovery.
As a newcomer, we encourage you to listen, observe and ask questions. Sharing your story is a powerful tool, but is entirely up to you, and only when you feel ready. The most important thing is to try to stay open-minded and willing to learn.
Think O.A. – Where thought meets action.
Mid Peninsula Blog, Podcasts and News
This poem is a reminder of the spiritual tools we can plant in our lives to find recovery. By cultivating spiritual principles like prayer and …
I'd been in OA for 38 years, chronically relapsing, before finding HOW OA 5 years ago. I weighed 331#, was miserable and didn't care if I lived. I …
Overeaters Anonymous is a self-supporting organization funded by voluntary contributions from its members. The organization's financial independence allows it to remain autonomous and focus on providing support and resources to those seeking recovery from alcoholism. Securely donate via Stripe All contributions are tax-deductible. Fees for services paid through Stripe are not tax-deductible.
Overeaters Anonymous
Webpage Citations:
1. Permission to use the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous for adaptation granted by AA World Services, Inc. ©1980, 1995, 1997, 2003 Overeaters Anonymous®, Inc. All rights reserved. Rev. 12/2023
Stay connected on your journey to recovery—subscribe to our monthly newsletter for inspiration, experience, and tools to support your abstinence. Together, we grow stronger, one day at a time.