For The Community Professional

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) provides free help for patients struggling with food issues

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) provides no-cost help for individuals struggling with food issues. Professionals who work with people who have medical conditions related to weight, distorted body image, or unhealthy behaviors with food share a common purpose with FA. FA members are available to provide information and answer questions about FA upon request.

For assistance contact FA at pi@foodaddicts.org or call or text (781) 932-6300

WHAT IS FA?

FA is an international recovery program based on the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.). We offer a solution to those whose behaviors in relation to food and body image can be understood as addiction.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM FA?

FA is distinctive because it focuses on addiction. Neither a diet program nor a religious group, FA understands addiction as a physical, mental, and spiritual disease. FA addresses these three dimensions with

abstinence from flour and sugar, with measured portions of protein, vegetables, grains, fat, and fruit to help reduce cravings;
daily help from a sponsor and fellow members;
ongoing support in working the Twelve Steps of AA as adapted for food addiction.

We charge no dues or fees, and our meetings include no weigh-ins. We are not a medical group. We recommend that individuals considering the FA program consult their health care providers.

FIND A MEETING

Meetings are offered every day of the week over the phone, via Zoom, and in person. Professionals are welcome to observe any FA meeting to learn more.

Find a free meeting for your patients.

WHAT WE MEAN BY FOOD ADDICTION

Food addicts have a relationship with food that parallels an alcoholic's relationship with alcohol. No amount of willpower can lead the food addict to a healthy attitude about food or body size.

Food addiction can manifest as follows:

Obsession with food, weight, or body image
Overeating or obesity
Undereating, using laxatives, or self-induced vomiting
Compulsive exercise or dieting

WHEN TALKING ABOUT FA

FA members often show The Twenty Questions (see below) to newcomers so they can determine for themselves if they might be food addicts. You might find it useful to share them.
You can find out how to access meetings and information about the FA program on our website.

Twenty Questions

Are you a Food Addict?

To answer this question, ask yourself the following questions and answer them as honestly as you can.

Have you ever wanted to stop eating and found you just couldn't?
Do you constantly think about food or your weight?
Do you find yourself attempting one diet or food plan after another, with no lasting success?
Do you binge and then "get rid of the binge" through vomiting, exercise, laxatives, or other forms of purging?
Do you eat differently in private than you do in front of other people?
Has a doctor or a family member ever approached you with concern about your eating habits or weight?
Do you eat large quantities of food at one time (binge)?
Is your weight problem due to your "nibbling" all day long?
Do you eat to escape from your feelings?
Do you eat when you're not hungry?
Have you ever discarded food, only to retrieve and eat it later?
Do you eat in secret?
Do you fast or severely restrict your food intake?
Have you ever stolen other people's food?
Have you ever hidden food to make sure you will have "enough"?
Do you feel driven to exercise excessively to control your weight?
Do you obsessively calculate the calories you've burned against the calories you've eaten?
Do you frequently feel guilty or ashamed about what you've eaten?
Are you waiting for your life to begin "when you lose the weight"?
Do you feel hopeless about your relationship with food?

PHYSICIAN'S EXPERIENCE

"In my view, undeniably, food addiction is real. I see it every day. I refer all my patients to FA. I explain, 'Right now, you have a relationship with food that is taking you down a road you don't want to take. These people can help you.' FA seems to me to be a perfect solution. It works. No question about it."

- Carl Lowe, Jr., M.D., American College of Surgeons, Fellow. American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Lowe has no financial or professional affiliation with FA.

If you would like more information, contact FA at pi@foodaddicts.org or call or text (781) 932-6300.