Talking About Losing and Gaining Weight

Discussing weight can be a sensitive topic, but it's a common part of everyday conversation. Here are some useful words, idioms, and phrases to help you better talk about losing and gaining weight in English.

Words and Phrases for Losing Weight

1. Lose Weight: The most straightforward way to say you are reducing your body weight.

   • Example: "I want to lose weight before summer."

2. Slim Down: To become thinner.

   • Example: "She has been working out to slim down."

3. Shed Pounds: To lose weight.

   • Example: "He shed a few pounds after starting his new diet."

4. Get in Shape: To become physically fit.

   • Example: "I'm trying to get in shape for the marathon."

5. Burn Calories: To use up energy, often through exercise.

   • Example: "Running is a great way to burn calories."

6. Drop Weight: Another way to say lose weight.

   • Example: "He dropped weight by cutting out sugar."

7. Trim Down: To lose weight and become slimmer.

   • Example: "She trimmed down after joining the gym."

8. Tone Up: To improve muscle definition and reduce body fat.

   • Example: "I'm doing strength training to tone up."

Idioms for Losing Weight

1. Watch Your Figure: To be careful about what you eat to maintain a good body shape.

   • Example: "She watches her figure by eating healthy foods."

2. Fit as a Fiddle: To be in very good physical condition.

   • Example: "After months of training, he's fit as a fiddle."

3. Burn Off: To use up energy or calories.

   • Example: "She burns off the extra calories by jogging every morning."

4. Get Lean: To reduce body fat and become more muscular.

   • Example: "He's been working out to get lean."

Words and Phrases for Gaining Weight

1. Gain Weight: The most straightforward way to say you are increasing your body weight.

   • Example: "I need to gain weight to reach a healthy BMI."

2. Put on Weight: To increase in body weight.

   • Example: "He put on weight during the holidays."

3. Bulk Up: To gain muscle mass.

   • Example: "He's been lifting weights to bulk up."

4. Fill Out: To gain weight, often in a healthy way.

   • Example: "She filled out after starting a new diet."

5. Pack on the Pounds: To gain weight, often quickly.

   • Example: "He packed on the pounds after quitting his exercise routine."

Idioms for Gaining Weight

1. Let Yourself Go: To stop taking care of your appearance, often resulting in weight gain.

   • Example: "He let himself go after his injury."

2. Put on a Few Pounds: To gain a small amount of weight.

   • Example: "I put on a few pounds over the winter."

3. Fill Out: To gain weight and look healthier.

   • Example: "He filled out after starting a new diet."

4. Add Some Meat to Your Bones: To gain weight and become healthier.

   • Example: "You need to add some meat to your bones; you're too skinny."