The “compulsive overeater who still suffers” isn’t always a newcomer to OA ~ Anonymous, Overeaters. The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, First Edition (Kindle Locations 1603-1604). Overeaters Anonymous, Inc.

The Fifth Tradition says, “Each group has but one
primary purpose—to carry its message
to the compulsive overeater who still suffers.”
There are those who come in to quickly find
the joy and peace of serenity. Then others
sit in  the rooms for years, still answering the call
to compulsively eat…or who have initial success
and know they see in other recovering overeaters
what they want and heed the advice,
“Don’t leave until the miracle happens.”
The rooms are filled with pleasant people,
and staying, or lurking, coming back from time to time,
is not uncomfortable, but these folk, too,
fit the Twelfth Step directive, to try to
“carry this message to compulsive overeaters
and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”
It is these people as well as newcomers
we are to encourage e to become or remain abstinent,
to work the Twelve Steps,
and to give service to the best of their ability.
Who needs to hear YOUR experience, strength,
and hope today?