To the Family and Friends of the Compulsive Eater

You may have found this page because you are concerned about someone’s behavior with food.

Consider the following questions:

1. Do you notice that food is inexplicably gone?

2.Does the person try to sneak food?

3. Do you find hidden food and wrappers?

4. Are all the “goodies” gone?

5. Does the person often eat alone?

6. Does the person visit the bathroom after eating, and you hear water running?

7. Are people often suggesting the person go on a diet?

8. Does the person seem to have more food and less money?

9. Does the person’s weight affect how he or she lives?

10. Is the person routinely using laxatives or water pills?

11. Is the person unhappy about his or her appearance?

12. Is the person or other people in the person’s life unhappy about his or her eating behavior?

Answering “yes” to several of these questions may indicate a loved one has problems with food and may be a compulsive eater. He or she is not alone. Since 1960, compulsive eaters have found a solution through OA. OA meetings are held worldwide.

You can search for a meeting for yourself or your loved one on the Find a Meeting page.

The effects of the compulsive eater’s abnormal preoccupation with food, such as health issues and mood swings, can harm the family. People who are eating abnormally can demoralize and devastate everyone around them.

Although no groups currently exist for families and friends of compulsive eaters, you might find help by attending Twelve-Step family programs related to other addictions. An internet search can help you find such programs.