become overweight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become overweight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing changes in body weight, particularly in the context of gaining excess weight. Example: "If you consume more calories than you burn, you may become overweight over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has become overweight and Annie can no longer imagine him becoming a part of her life.

The New Yorker

People don't become overweight overnight.

The New York Times - Health

Will all Americans become overweight or obese?

Nature

Little Things Mean a Lot People don't become overweight overnight.

The New York Times - Health

People do not become overweight or obese overnight.

The New York Times

In Western Europe and America, 0.5% of people become overweight each year.

The Economist

Sixteen per cent of the [French] population become overweight [during their last two years at school].

Independent

Others have become overweight or have seen the duties of their military specialty change over time.

The New York Times

Women who had gone on two or more diets during the study were five times as likely to become overweight.

The New York Times

While generally people become overweight for the same reasons, some stay that way because of factors beyond their control.

The Guardian - Opinion

These infants and children become overweight teenagers and adults with devastating, long-lasting and costly health problems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing health or medical contexts, use "become overweight" to describe a gradual process rather than a sudden event. For example, "Regular consumption of sugary drinks can lead to individuals gradually becoming overweight."

Common error

Avoid using "become overweight" when the context implies a more severe condition. "Overweight" suggests a moderate excess of weight, while "obese" indicates a significantly higher level of excess weight and associated health risks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become overweight" functions primarily as a descriptive verb phrase. It indicates a process or change of state, where someone or something transitions into a condition of being heavier than is considered healthy or normal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become overweight" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the process of gaining excess weight. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and broad applicability. Appearing frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. While interchangeable with alternatives like "gain weight" or "put on weight", it's important to distinguish "overweight" from the more severe condition of "obesity". To prevent misinterpretations, careful consideration of context is crucial. Remember, gradual lifestyle changes are key to preventing individuals from "becoming overweight".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain weight

Emphasizes the act of increasing body weight.

put on weight

Suggests adding weight to one's body mass.

get heavier

A simpler, more direct way to say "become overweight".

grow heavier

Focuses on the gradual increase in weight.

add pounds

Emphasizes the addition of weight in pounds.

increase in weight

A more formal way to describe weight gain.

develop obesity

Indicates the progression towards a state of being obese.

start gaining weight

Highlights the beginning of a weight gain process.

swell in size

Describes the physical change in body size due to weight gain.

fatten up

Implies a more rapid or noticeable increase in weight.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "become overweight" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives such as "experience weight gain" or "exhibit an increase in body mass" depending on the context.

What are the common causes that make people "become overweight"?

Common causes include a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, genetic predisposition, and certain medical conditions. Addressing these factors can help prevent or manage weight gain.

Is there a difference between "become overweight" and "become obese"?

Yes, "become overweight" implies a moderate increase in body weight beyond what is considered healthy, while "become obese" indicates a more severe degree of excess weight that poses significant health risks. Obesity is a more serious condition than being overweight.

What are some lifestyle changes to prevent someone from "become overweight"?

Adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, getting sufficient sleep, and managing stress are crucial lifestyle changes to prevent unhealthy weight gain. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance.