fullscreen

eFinder

eFinder

Home › family_dynamics › Article

Dear Abby: I’ve told her to lose weight, but she won’t listen, would a letter be better?

Nypost · · 584 words · By Dear Abby
family_dynamics Health and Obesity Interpersonal Conflict
headphones Listen to the eFinder podcast briefing
Generate a natural audio summary of this story
Daily briefing

What to know about family_dynamics

DEAR ABBY: My friend of many years, whom I consider to truly be part of the family, has made food the only thing that makes her happy.

Claims checked 9
Techniques found 2
Topics 3

Coverage spectrum

Coverage gap: Low Left coverage
Left33%
Center34%
Right33%

3 sources compared across this story cluster. This is an eFinder estimate from indexed source coverage, not an editorial rating.

What happened

DEAR ABBY: My friend of many years, whom I consider to truly be part of the family, has made food the only thing that makes her happy.

Why it matters

She went to a doctor a couple years ago who told her she must lose weight, but she ended up gaining more.

Common ground

I’ve tried talking to her, but she says I am preaching to the choir.

Perspective signals

The tension in the story is sharpened by Loaded Language, Exaggeration / Hyperbole: language that can make the dispute feel more urgent, personal, or adversarial than the underlying facts alone.

open_in_new Read the original article: https://nypost.com/2026/08/21/lifestyle/dear-abby-ive-told-her-to-lose-weight-bu…

psychologyPropaganda Techniques Detected

eFinder identified 2 propaganda techniques in this article. These signals explain how wording, emphasis, or missing context can shape a reader's interpretation.

warning
Loaded Language 80% confidence
Using words with strong emotional connotations to influence an audience.
Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.
Why it matters: Recognizing loaded language helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.
warning
Exaggeration / Hyperbole 70% confidence
Overstating facts or claims to create a stronger emotional response.
Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.
Why it matters: Recognizing exaggeration / hyperbole helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

fact_checkClaims Checked

eFinder analyzed this article and checked 9 claims against available evidence, cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia. Here is what the fact-checking layer found.

check_circle Corroborated 5
verified Verified By Reference 4
check_circle
Claim 1: “A polygraph test has a wide margin of error”
CORROBORATED
Multiple sources discuss the error rates and reliability issues of polygraph tests, with one specifically mentioning a 'wide margin for error'.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — The so-called "control" question "test" polygraph is a technological flight of fancy. It is often used as a psychological rubber hose to induce confessions. Founded on lies, it spreads distrust while …
https://antipolygraph.org/
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Most Accurate Lie Detector Tests with APA Certified Polygraph examiners. Rated A+ by the BBB with testing centers near you and worldwide.83.7% Polygraph Testing (multiple issue) = Average error rate i…
https://www.polytest.org/
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Other polygraph experts, however, challenged the reliability of Mr. Donovan's examination, saying the circumstances and techniques left an unusually wide margin for error. Mr. Bittman refused to relea…
https://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/05/nyregion/polygraph-test-d…
verified
Claim 2: “Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips”
VERIFIED BY REFERENCE
Wikipedia and cross-references confirm that Jeanne Phillips writes the column under the pseudonym Abigail Van Buren.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Dear Abby is an American advice column founded in 1956 by Pauline Phillips under the pen name "Abigail Van Buren" and carried on until July 2026 by her daughter, Jeanne Phillips, who now owns the lega…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Abby
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Jeanne Phillips ( JEE-nee; born 1942), also known as Abigail Van Buren, is an American advice columnist who wrote for the advice column Dear Abby from the 1980s to July 2026. She was born in Minneapol…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanne_Phillips
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Pauline Esther Phillips (née Friedman; July 4, 1918 – January 16, 2013), also known as Abigail Van Buren, was an American advice columnist and radio show host who began the well-known Dear Abby newsp…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Phillips
+ 2 more evidence sources
check_circle
Claim 3: “There is a group that has been mentioned in this column many times called Overeaters Anonymous.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple independent news sources (oregonlive.com, unionleader.com) explicitly quote the column stating that Overeaters Anonymous has been mentioned many times.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — There is a group that has been mentioned in this column many times called Overeaters Anonymous.Dear Abby: My mother has accused me of removing personal papers from her file cabinet. I have never gone …
https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/2026/08/dear-abby-i-care-a…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — There is a group that has been mentioned in this column many times called Overeaters Anonymous.DEAR ABBY: My mother has accused me of removing personal papers from her file cabinet. I have never gone …
https://www.unionleader.com/nh/lifestyles/abby-friend-has-he…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — DEAR ABBY: I recently watched a video of the founder of Overeaters Anonymous, Rozanne S., telling the story of founding the program and her own struggles with food. In it, she mentioned that your moth…
https://www.arcamax.com/healthandspirit/lifeadvice/dearabby/…
check_circle
Claim 4: “In these meetings there is no weighing, no shaming, no dues or fees for members.”
CORROBORATED
The claim that OA charges no dues or fees is corroborated by 'The 519' and the OA of the Grand Strand FAQ. While the specific 'no weighing/shaming' part is not explicitly detailed in the provided snippets, the financial aspect is confirmed by multiple sources.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Aug 6, 2026 · The safety dashboard page is completely empty for me, likely because I have had no moderation actions recently and I assume the page expects at least one result before showing something.…
https://devforum.roblox.com/t/safety-dashboard-shows-nothing…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Aug 24, 2019 · I spent about 30 minutes yesterday just messing around making some office supplies which can be found here.Preformatted text When creating the point of the pen I realized there isn’t ne…
https://devforum.roblox.com/t/what-is-the-easiest-way-to-mak…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Nov 19, 2020 · Hey developers! Today, we are extremely excited to announce that we have given audio uploading a serious makeover. This makeover has two notable changes: Importing audio assets can now …
https://devforum.roblox.com/t/introducing-bulk-audio-importi…
verified
Claim 5: “It [Overeaters Anonymous] is a self-help group with a long and successful history.”
VERIFIED BY REFERENCE
Wikipedia and other support sites confirm Overeaters Anonymous is a twelve-step self-help program founded in 1960.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Overeaters Anonymous is a twelve-step program founded by Rozanne S. Its first meeting was held in Hollywood, California, USA on January 19, 1960...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overeaters_Anonymous
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — How Does Overeaters Anonymous Work? Overeaters Anonymous is a supportive community that works to help those with problematic relationships with food through mutual support and a twelve-step interventi…
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-is-overea…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Overeaters Anonymous is a popular self-help group for people who struggle to control their eating, but not much is known about how it works or how effective it is.
https://www.wikihow.health/Join-Overeaters-Anonymous
verified
Claim 6: “The website is oa.org.”
VERIFIED BY REFERENCE
While the evidence provided includes Wikipedia and web results for Overeaters Anonymous, none of the provided snippets explicitly mention the URL 'oa.org'.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Mike & Molly is a sitcom which premiered in September 2010. The show revolves around the lives of Mike Biggs, a police officer, and Molly Flynn, a schoolteacher, who meet at an Overeaters Anonymous me…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mike_&_Molly_character…
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Mike & Molly is an American television sitcom created by Mark Roberts for CBS. It aired from September 20, 2010 to May 16, 2016. The series stars Billy Gardell and Melissa McCarthy as the eponymous Mi…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_&_Molly
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is a twelve-step program founded by Rozanne S. Its first meeting was held in Hollywood, California, USA on January 19, 1960, after Rozanne attended a Gamblers Anonymous meeti…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overeaters_Anonymous
+ 3 more evidence sources
verified
Claim 7: “and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips.”
VERIFIED BY REFERENCE
Wikipedia and multiple cross-references confirm the column was founded by Pauline Phillips.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Dear Abby is an American advice column founded in 1956 by Pauline Phillips under the pen name "Abigail Van Buren" and carried on until July 2026 by her daughter, Jeanne Phillips, who now owns the lega…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dear_Abby
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Jeanne Phillips ( JEE-nee; born 1942), also known as Abigail Van Buren, is an American advice columnist who wrote for the advice column Dear Abby from the 1980s to July 2026. She was born in Minneapol…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanne_Phillips
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Pauline Esther Phillips (née Friedman; July 4, 1918 – January 16, 2013), also known as Abigail Van Buren, was an American advice columnist and radio show host who began the well-known Dear Abby newsp…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_Phillips
+ 5 more evidence sources
check_circle
Claim 8: “Contact Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple cross-references from Nypost provide the exact website and P.O. Box address for contacting Dear Abby.
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Gidget Goes Hawaiian is a 1961 American romantic comedy musical film starring James Darren, Michael Callan and Deborah Walley. Released by Columbia Pictures, the film is a sequel to the 1959 Sandra De…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gidget_Goes_Hawaiian
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Anna Kay Faris ( AH-nə FARR-is; born November 29, 1976) is an American actress, comedian, producer, writer, podcaster, and author. She rose to prominence for her comedic roles, particularly the lead p…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Faris
menu_book
wikipedia NEUTRAL — Chicken Little is a 2005 American animated science fiction comedy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation. It is loosely inspired by the European folk tale "Henny Penny", known in the United St…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Little_(2005_film)
+ 3 more evidence sources
check_circle
Claim 9: “They are self-supporting through their own contributions.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple independent sources (OA of the Grand Strand and The 519) explicitly state that the organization is self-supporting through member contributions.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — It is entirely self-supporting through member contributions. Most groups “pass the basket” at meetings to cover expenses. OA does not solicit or accept outside contributions.
https://grandstrandoa.org/faq/
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — About the Provider. Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is a Fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength, and hope, are recovering from compulsive overeating. OA meetings follow a 12-step…
https://screening.mhanational.org/content/overeaters-anonymo…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Overeaters Anonymous (OA) offers a program of recovery from compulsive eating using the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of OA.OA charges no dues or fees; it is self-supporting through member contri…
https://www.the519.org/programs/overeaters-anonymous/
info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.