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You are Not Alone 

A lot of us have been through it—all manner of disordered eating. Whether it’s eating too much, not eating enough, binge eating, binge exercising or restricting to the point of starvation, it can be exhausting. Some of us have even found ourselves eating late into the night, feeling like we can't stop until we're uncomfortable. We’ve tried diet after diet, hoping to find the one that works. And even if we did lose weight, it often came back—and then some. For some, this cycle led to obesity and its associated health complications. It can feel incredibly isolating, like no one else understands what you're going through. But you're not alone. Many people face similar struggles, and there is support and help available.

We want you to know that there is hope – and a solution that not only addresses your obsession with food, but that offers a design for living that really works. You don't need to do this alone! Get connected with a member by emailing newcomer@https://oamidpeninsula.org

"The only requirement for OA membership is a desire to stop eating compulsively" ~ Tradition Three, The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, 2nd Edition.

Do you feel you may be suffering from…anorexia/food restriction...bulimia/bingeing and purging…shameful food behaviors...body issues...obesity?

Many of us find it helpful to reflect on these 15 questions to better understand if we’re struggling with compulsive eating or compulsive food behaviors. If you find yourself answering ‘yes’ to many of these questions, you may be a compulsive eater. 

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  Do I eat when I’m not physically hungry, or ignore my body’s signals when it needs nourishment?
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  Do I find myself going on eating binges for no clear reason, sometimes eating until I feel stuffed or even sick?
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  Do I experience guilt, shame, or embarrassment about my weight or the way I eat?
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  Do I eat sensibly in front of others, only to overeat or binge when I’m alone?
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  Does my eating impact my health or interfere with the way I live my life?
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  When I feel intense emotions-whether positive or negative-do I turn to food for comfort?
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  Do my eating behaviors cause unhappiness for me or those around me?
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  Have I tried to control my weight by using laxatives, vomiting, diuretics, excessive exercise, diet pills, shots, or medical interventions (including a surgery)?
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  Do I fast or severely restrict my food intake in an attempt to control my weight?
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  Do I often fantasize that my life would be better if I were a different size or weight?
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  Do I feel the need to constantly chew or have something in my mouth, such as food, gum, mints, candies, or beverages?
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  Have I eaten food that was burned, frozen, spoiled, taken from grocery store containers, or even from the garbage?
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  Do I find that once I start eating certain foods, I can’t stop after the first bite?
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  Have I lost weight through dieting or periods of control, only to experience episodes of uncontrolled eating or regain the weight?
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  Do I spend a lot of time thinking about food, debating with myself about what or whether to eat, planning my next diet or exercise regimen, or counting calories?