gain weight
Increase body mass
Use `gain weight` to describe getting heavier, but keep it personal to avoid offending others.
In 15 Seconds
- Used when your body mass increases over time.
- Common in health, fitness, and casual lifestyle conversations.
- Can be sensitive; use carefully when talking about others.
Meaning
This phrase describes when your body gets heavier or larger. It usually happens because you are eating more or exercising to build muscle.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a pet
My cat has gained weight since we switched his food.
My cat has gained weight since we switched his food.
At the doctor's office
I have gained five pounds since my last check-up.
I have gained five pounds since my last check-up.
Texting a friend about the gym
I'm trying to gain weight to build more muscle.
I'm trying to gain weight to build more muscle.
Cultural Background
In many Western cultures, weight is a sensitive topic often tied to self-esteem. While 'gaining weight' is medically neutral, it is frequently discussed with a mix of humor and anxiety in social settings. Interestingly, the phrase 'Gain weight' became more clinical in the mid-20th century as health tracking became a popular hobby.
The 'Put On' Alternative
If you want to sound more like a native speaker in casual conversation, use `put on weight`. It sounds slightly less clinical.
The 'You' Rule
Never tell someone 'You gained weight' unless they are your best friend and they mentioned it first. It is often taken as an insult.
In 15 Seconds
- Used when your body mass increases over time.
- Common in health, fitness, and casual lifestyle conversations.
- Can be sensitive; use carefully when talking about others.
What It Means
Gain weight is the standard way to say you have become heavier. It is simple and direct. You can use it for small changes or big ones. It is not always a bad thing. Sometimes people want to gain weight to look healthy.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase. You can say I gained weight or I am trying to gain weight. It works for people, pets, and even luggage at the airport! Use it when the scale shows a higher number than before.
When To Use It
Use it when talking to a doctor about your health. Use it with close friends when discussing your new gym routine. It is great for explaining why your favorite jeans feel a bit tight today. It is a very common, everyday expression.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful using this about other people. In many English-speaking cultures, telling someone they gained weight can be rude. Avoid it in professional meetings unless you are a fitness coach. Do not use it as a greeting! That would be a very short conversation.
Cultural Background
In the West, people often talk about gaining weight during the winter holidays. We joke about the 'Holiday Five'—five extra pounds from eating too much pie. However, in the fitness world, gaining weight is often a goal. Bodybuilders call this 'bulking.' It shows that context changes the meaning from 'oops' to 'hooray.'
Common Variations
You might hear people say put on weight. This is a bit more casual. If someone is building muscle, they might say gain muscle. If it happens very fast, they might say ballooned up. Stick to gain weight for a safe, neutral choice.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for most contexts. Just remember that 'gain' is the specific verb used for weight, unlike 'get' or 'become' which are used for other adjectives.
The 'Put On' Alternative
If you want to sound more like a native speaker in casual conversation, use `put on weight`. It sounds slightly less clinical.
The 'You' Rule
Never tell someone 'You gained weight' unless they are your best friend and they mentioned it first. It is often taken as an insult.
The Holiday Five
Americans often joke about 'gaining weight' specifically between November and January. It's a cultural bonding topic over shared guilt!
Examples
6My cat has gained weight since we switched his food.
My cat has gained weight since we switched his food.
A neutral observation about an animal.
I have gained five pounds since my last check-up.
I have gained five pounds since my last check-up.
Professional and factual use of the phrase.
I'm trying to gain weight to build more muscle.
I'm trying to gain weight to build more muscle.
Positive use related to fitness goals.
I think I gain weight just by looking at a donut!
I think I gain weight just by looking at a donut!
A common joke about having a slow metabolism.
I've gained some weight and now these pants don't fit.
I've gained some weight and now these pants don't fit.
Expressing a personal frustration.
The patient needs to gain weight to improve their recovery.
The patient needs to gain weight to improve their recovery.
Used as a medical requirement.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the phrase.
If you eat too much cake every day, you might ___ weight.
In English, we 'gain' weight, we do not 'win' or 'grow' it.
Complete the sentence about a past event.
I ___ five kilograms during my vacation in Italy.
Use the past tense 'gained' for something that already happened.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Gain Weight'
Used with friends or family.
I've put on a few pounds.
Standard way to speak in most situations.
I gained weight over the summer.
Medical or scientific contexts.
The subject showed a gain in body mass.
When to use 'Gain Weight'
Fitness Goals
Bulking at the gym
Health Issues
Talking to a doctor
Holiday Eating
After Thanksgiving dinner
Pet Care
The dog is getting chunky
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is a neutral term. You can gain weight by adding muscle or simply growing taller if you are a child.
No, that is a common mistake. You win a game, but you gain weight.
Only if the business is health or fitness related. Otherwise, it is too personal for the office.
The opposite is lose weight. For example, 'I want to lose weight before my wedding.'
It is neutral, but the topic itself is sensitive. It is polite when talking about yourself, but risky when talking about others.
You can say I gained a little weight or I put on a few pounds.
Usually no. For objects, we say they got heavier. However, we do say luggage gains weight if you keep adding items to it.
Gain muscle is specific to strength training. Gain weight is the general term for any increase in mass.
Put on is a phrasal verb. Native speakers love phrasal verbs for casual talk, making it sound more natural than gain.
It is neutral. It is perfectly fine for a doctor's report or a chat with a friend.
Related Phrases
Put on weight
Lose weight
Bulk up
Watch your weight
Pack on the pounds
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