TODAY the community is bombarded with weight loss solutions that all claim to work, but for some people once these fall by the way side they’re left alone and desperate .
Over-eaters Anonymous (OA) is a group that meets in Newport every week to offer a solution and program of recovery from compulsive eating and a range of food-related illnesses.
Julia and Megan, not real names, have both suffered from eating-related disorders and were staring down a path of destruction when they came across OA.
Julia has been with the program for 11 years after battling with bulimia and anorexia since she was a teenager.
“I saw a magazine article and it was people talking about how they got well and sanity from their food problems, I just related to what they said … I went along and I’ve been going ever since.”
Megan said the not-for-profit organisation does not involve experts or professionals, but is centred on food addicts helping other food addicts.
“We’re all just over eaters who’ve gone through the process and have had it work for us, and once we’ve done it we can share that same experience with someone else,” Megan said.
Julia said she tried all sorts of different ways to control food and her diet.
“I had gone to doctors, I knew I had a problem with food that I couldn’t fix myself. I tried anti-depressants, going to doctors. When I came to OA, I just knew I was home.”
Megan suffered from compulsive eating and was obese until she found relief in the program that is based on the same 12 steps as alcoholics anonymous.
“For me, it’s a case of yes we offer hope that finally here’s a solution that’s permanent, so there’s no YoYo up and down diets and it deals with the underlying problems that cause the eating.”
She said the program does not discriminate against other food diets like Weight Watchers, but some people need to find a different approach.
“When you come in there are no professionals, we are overeaters who have found a solution and we pass it onto someone else. It is someone who’s had it work for them working directly.”
The program does not ask for any money or fees, but a donation of $6 is suggested once you feel you are a member.
OA holds meetings every week at the Jubilee Room at Newport, 9 Newcastle St.
For more information, contact 9521 3696 or visit www.oa.org.au.
