he is overweight

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'he is overweight' is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "My brother has gained weight in the last few months; he is overweight now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

He is overweight.

Harvard University

Today the official reason is that he is overweight.

The Guardian - Sport

He is overweight and unattractive, friendless and isolated.

The New York Times - Books

"He is overweight and flabby," says another child.

The New York Times

At the moment, Kim's most visible vulnerability is his health: he is overweight and perhaps diabetic.

The New Yorker

Elbaz thinks it's a very big deal that he is overweight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

He was overweight.

The New York Times - Sports

But he's overweight.

The New Yorker

He's overweight.

The Guardian - Books

"He was overweight, but he was overweight a lot," he says quietly.

The Guardian

He was overweight, weary-looking, possibly in his mid-fifties.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If appropriate, follow up by noting related risk factors such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Common error

Using "he is overweight" in a judgmental or derogatory way can be hurtful. Always prioritize respectful and sensitive language when discussing someone's weight. Focus on health rather than appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is overweight" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a physical characteristic to an individual. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It serves to provide information about someone's weight status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

19%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is overweight" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe someone's weight status. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it is widely accepted in English writing. Its usage spans across various contexts, with a predominant presence in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's important to be mindful of the context and audience, opting for more formal or sensitive language when necessary. Consider alternatives such as "he has excess weight" or "he is above his ideal weight" for professional or clinical settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he has excess weight

This alternative replaces "overweight" with "excess weight", a more clinical term.

he is carrying too much weight

This option focuses on the physical burden implied by being overweight.

he is above his ideal weight

This phrase refers to a specific standard or recommendation for weight.

he is heavier than he should be

This suggests a deviation from a healthy or expected weight.

his weight is unhealthy

This focuses on the health implications of the person's weight.

he is obese

Replaces "overweight" with a more severe clinical term.

he struggles with his weight

Implies an ongoing challenge or effort related to weight management.

he is on the heavier side

A less direct way of saying someone is overweight.

he could stand to lose some weight

This suggests that losing weight would be beneficial.

he needs to watch his weight

This suggests a need to be careful about weight gain.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "he is overweight"?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives like "he has "excess weight"" or "he is "above his ideal weight"".

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "he is overweight" in medical settings?

While medically accurate, consider more clinical terms like "high BMI" or referencing specific weight measurements. This provides a more objective and less judgmental description.

What are some less direct ways to say "he is overweight"?

You can use gentler phrases such as "he is on the heavier side" or "he could stand to lose some weight", but be mindful of the context and your relationship with the person.

When is it appropriate to discuss someone's weight?

Generally, it's only appropriate to discuss someone's weight if you are a healthcare professional providing medical advice, or if the person initiates the conversation themselves. Avoid making unsolicited comments about someone's weight, as it can be insensitive and harmful.