Dear Abby: My friend’s obesity is destroying her health. Why won’t she change?

A reader has written to the advice columnist Dear Abby seeking guidance regarding a long-term friend whose health is reportedly declining due to obesity. The correspondent describes the friend as a family-like figure who relies on food as a primary source of happiness. Despite medical intervention several years ago, the friend failed to lose weight and has since gained more.

The inquiry highlights the emotional distress of the correspondent, who notes that the friend is one of the few people remaining in their life outside of their spouse. The situation underscores the tension between personal concern for a loved one's health and the challenges of addressing sensitive lifestyle issues within a close relationship.