is very overweight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very overweight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone or something that has an excessive amount of weight, typically in a health or physical context. Example: "The doctor informed her that she is very overweight and should consider a healthier lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(Obstetrician, FI) If the woman is very overweight, that means a high risk... [if she is] massively overweight with previous CS, you need to watch this very carefully.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

If the woman is very overweight, that means a high risk... [if she is] massively overweight with previous CS, you need to watch this very carefully.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Karl was very overweight himself once.

The New Yorker

Mr. Booth said he was "very overweight" in the government debt of Uruguay.

The New York Times

"And I think that's what Richard makes people feel, especially people who are very overweight.

The New York Times

"My biggest concern was, because I was very overweight and he had a catastrophic illness, we weren't going to be able to get insurance again," she said.

The New York Times

So we think it's only affecting kids who are very overweight, whereas for most normal kids it wouldn't affect them".

The New York Times

But with a third of the U.S. adult population classified as obese, nobody is saying people who already are very overweight should give up on weight loss.

The New York Times - Magazine

Obesity is not generally associated with any good medical outcomes, but a recent study suggests that some people who are very overweight may be more likely to survive a critical illness than people who are in better shape.

The New York Times - Health

It didn't start off as something about ageing well, I started running in my early 30s because I was very overweight, had never done any exercise, and I decided to do something about it.

The Guardian

And Warren said, "But can you make her look like that?" Because she was very overweight but the way I shot her, back-lit with her hair back, she looked softer and thinner.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is very overweight", be mindful of the context and audience. Consider using more sensitive or specific language depending on the situation, especially in healthcare settings.

Common error

Avoid using "is very overweight" in a judgmental or stigmatizing way. Focus on health and well-being rather than appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very overweight" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that someone or something has a significantly higher weight than is considered healthy or normal. As shown by Ludwig, it describes a state of being.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is very overweight" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone with a significantly higher weight than considered healthy. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is used across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While useful for conveying information, it's important to be mindful of the tone and audience when using this phrase, opting for more sensitive alternatives in certain situations. Best practices include prioritizing factual accuracy and using neutral language when discussing weight-related issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is extremely obese

This alternative emphasizes the clinical classification of obesity.

has a high body mass index

This alternative uses a technical measurement to describe the condition.

carries a lot of extra weight

This alternative uses a more descriptive and less clinical term.

is significantly heavier than average

This alternative provides a comparison to the average weight.

suffers from morbid obesity

This alternative highlights the severe and potentially life-threatening nature of the condition.

is grossly overweight

This alternative uses a stronger adjective to emphasize the degree of overweight.

is excessively heavy

This alternative focuses on the excessive nature of the weight.

has a considerable weight problem

This alternative frames it as an existing issue and condition.

is substantially overweight

This alternative emphasizes the substantial extent of being overweight.

is severely obese

This alternative highlights a serious degree of obesity.

FAQs

What's a more sensitive way to say "is very overweight"?

Consider using phrases like "has a higher body mass index" or "carries a lot of extra weight" for a more neutral tone. You could also frame it in terms of health, such as "is at a higher risk due to weight".

Is there a difference between "is overweight" and "is very overweight"?

"Is overweight" is a general term, while "is very overweight" implies a greater degree of excess weight. The latter suggests a more significant health risk. Consider alternatives as "is significantly heavier than average" or "is severely obese" depending on context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is very overweight"?

It's appropriate in clinical or scientific contexts when discussing health risks associated with excess weight. Use it with caution in general conversation to avoid causing offense, or rephrase as "carries a lot of extra weight".

What are the health risks associated with being very overweight?

Being very overweight increases the risk of various health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and joint problems. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.