What to Expect at an OA Meeting

It’s natural to feel a little nervous before attending your first OA meeting. You will be welcome, and you’ll likely find that others there understand the struggles you’re facing with food. Here’s what typically happens at a meeting—although each meeting is a little different. 

Once you’ve found a meeting you’d like to try, simply attend. Most meetings last about an hour. Consider this time set aside just for you. 

Many meetings begin with brief introductions using first names. You’ll hear readings from OA literature and members sharing their journeys with recovery. As people share their experiences, you may begin to recognize similarities with your own relationship with food. 

Participate as much or as little as you want. You’re welcome to share if you’d like, but you don’t have to. Some newcomers choose to simply listen at their first meeting, while others feel open to sharing what brought them to the meeting. 

Many meetings offer an opportunity to exchange phone numbers so members can support one another between meetings. At in-person meetings, a contact list or notebook may be passed around. Online or phone meetings may share contact information in the chat or through a shared list. Sharing your contact information is completely optional. If you’d like, you can write down a few numbers so you have someone to reach out to if you have questions later. 

If you stay for a few minutes after the meeting, members are often happy to talk and answer questions. Someone may also ask if you’d be open to a call during the week. It’s always fine to decline, but many newcomers find this kind of outreach helpful. 

You might still be wondering about a few things—like weigh-ins or membership fees. 

At OA meetings, there are: 

• No weigh-ins 
• No membership fees (OA is supported by voluntary contributions)
• No judgment 
• No religious affiliation (OA is a spiritual program but not connected to any religion) 

Instead, you’ll find: 

• A welcoming space for people of all genders, races, ages, orientations, and body sizes
• Support from others who understand struggles with food
• Hope that recovery is possible 

Because every meeting is a little different, many people try several meetings to find one that feels comfortable.