Overeaters Anon.

I've not heard of it.

I've heard of it and know several people who have tried it.

I can't tell you what they experienced because one of the tenets is secrecy - and quite right too. What I can tell you is than in a former life as a counsellor specialising in helping bigger people to better health - 'overeating' is not as cut and dried as it sounds.

Many people think they are over eaters because at certain times of the month they have a voracious appetite.

Also they have a morbid fear of gaining weight which makes them see every mouthful as bad or even dangerous.

They are afraid of food and often 'live by numbers' counting calories, kilojules, portions and so on - encouraged by the diet companies who have driven this madness for decades - which of course has made them one of the most profitable industries in the world and the one which fails their customes 98% of the time.

Some people genuinely DO have large appetites, this can be caused by medication, illness and many other outside factors.

My sister was an over-eater big time - but never gained weight at all - which to most people is entirely acceptable - and ridiculous..

If you feel you have a genuine problem, discuss it with a recommended size-positive counsellor who will not be judgemental.

Meanwhile watch some of Joy Nash's vids on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8dm5VpYGH4&has_verified=1.

Atqui there was a book by a nurse recently, who wrote about joining OA after she realised that she needed help as much as the people she was counselling for problems with eating, and how much it helped her. I will see whether I can find it.

As I understand the basis of anonymity in the 12 Step groups it has much to do with having a "safe place" in which to get better, rather than secrecy. There is a subtle difference.

I'm currently reading a book by Dr Laura Thomas, nutritionist on "intuitive eating" Just Eat It: How to Get Your Shit Together Around Food. She takes an interesting approach.

I went to one meeting quite a few years ago. There were only about 5 people there. They seem to have a religious aspect, even though they said you don't have to be, and also an AA type aspect.

I can't remember everything they said, but I didn't feel comfortable with them, and I didn't feel they addressed my problems. Admittedly I only went once.. There were 12 steps. You had to say you turned your will over to a power greater than you. (possibly God) and admit your wrongs.

www.oasv.org/member-support/12-steps-12-traditions

Bradford Lass I really think that video is awful. I have problems with over eating, but that does not help me at all.

Thanks for your comments

seacliff; I'm someone that can either not eat much at all [when the sun shines; when I'm busy; when I'm very upset in some way etc etc] or eat constantly when not hungry [when someone gives me chocolate; when I'm slightly upset; when the weather is awful and I'm stuck in the house]. I've been like it all of my life. When I'm in not eating much mode I can't understand why I can suddenly pick at food constantly. It's no wonder my weight has yo yo'd throughout my life and why the worst time was when I was a young mother at home with small children. You'd think, in my late 60's I would have sorted myself out. My wardrobe is full of clothes from size 12-14/16 and I can't throw any of them out because of it....