Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is a mutual-support, twelve-step intervention and established fellowship for individuals who self-identify as having problematic relationships with food or eating. Overeaters Anonymous: An Overlooked Eating Disorder Intervention The increases in binge eating behaviors seem to have remained post-pandemic, emphasizing the need for research identifying new interventions that can overcome barriers and limitations associated with current BED treatment options.ġ.2. Furthermore, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its subsequent lockdown protocol have increased binge eating behaviors in individuals with- and without eating disorders, and have further impacted treatment satisfaction and modality.
Binge eating disorder has also been associated with treatment dissatisfaction and early discontinuation of care. Although this data is outdated and a new survey is warranted, it found that 56.4% of individuals with binge eating disorder never receive or pursue treatment for their illness due to stigma, misconceptions, lack of education, diagnosis, access to care, and inadequate insurance coverage. National survey data collected between 2001–2003 provide some of the most up-to-date information available on binge eating disorder prevalence and treatment nationally. Although pharmacotherapies have mixed results and guidelines, they do not improve cognitive behavioral therapy’s success. Pharmacotherapeutic interventions include SSRI antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline), anticonvulsants (specifically topiramate), and anti-obesity medications (e.g., orlistat and sibutramine). Binge Eating Disorder and the Need for New Treatment OptionsĬognitive behavioral therapy is the current standard treatment for binge eating disorder but has mixed outcomes and is associated with low remission rates (52–62%) and 20–60% relapse rates pre-pandemic. Overall, OA provides a promising option for binge eating disorder treatment that warrants clinical research on its feasibility and efficacy in a way that respects and protects its tradition of anonymity.ġ.1. Common misunderstandings about and within OA are also addressed and OA’s limitations are discussed. This commentary reviews existing research findings on the effectiveness of twelve-step interventions and OA. The tradition of anonymity may also create some challenges for conducting research and may explain the shortage of empirical support. This may provide benefit to individuals who value structure and social support in their recovery. OA’s Nine Tools, Twelve Steps, and Twelve Traditions can provide structure, social support, and open, anonymous sharing that fosters a sense of connection and belonging.
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OA can be referred clinically or sought out by an individual confidentially, without a diagnosis, and free of charge.
OA is a twelve-step program and established fellowship for individuals who self-identify as having problematic relationships with food or eating. New interventions are needed that can overcome these barriers. Binge eating disorder is associated with low remission rates, high relapse rates, treatment dissatisfaction, and high rates of failure to receive treatment attributed to stigma, misconceptions, lack of diagnosis, access to care, and inadequate insurance coverage. The purpose of this communication is to provide an overview as well as the strengths and weaknesses of Overeaters Anonymous (OA) as an intervention for binge eating disorder treatment.
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