Recovery from the disease of compulsive overeating begins with abstinence, which gives OA members freedom from the obsession and compulsion with food.

In OA we define abstinence as: The action of refraining from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors while working towards or maintaining a healthy body weight. 

Spiritual, emotional, and physical recovery is the result of living and working the Overeaters Anonymous 12-Step program on a daily basis.

OA newcomers are encouraged to ask other OA members how they achieve and maintain abstinence from compulsive eating. Many members find that having a plan of eating and using the other tools of the program are essential to being abstinent.