PLUS-SIZE VS. OVERWEIGHT: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? (AND WHY IT MATTERS)

Plus-Size vs. Overweight: What’s the Difference? (And Why It Matters)

Plus-Size vs. Overweight: What’s the Difference? (And Why It Matters)

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What Does Overweight Mean?


Now, let’s talk about overweight. The term "overweight" is primarily used in medical and health contexts to refer to individuals who have a higher body weight than what is considered healthy for their height. This measurement is usually determined using the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a formula that compares weight to height.

An individual is typically considered overweight if their BMI falls between 25 and 29.9. For context, here are the common BMI categories:

  • Underweight: BMI less than 18.5

  • Normal weight: BMI 18.5–24.9

  • Overweight: BMI 25–29.9

  • Obese: BMI 30 and above


Unlike the term plus size, which focuses on clothing and body positivity, overweight is strictly about a person’s weight in relation to their height. It’s important to note that BMI doesn’t take into account other factors like muscle mass, bone structure, or overall health, so a person can technically be overweight by BMI standards but still be healthy and fit.

The Key Differences Between Plus-Size and Overweight


The distinction between plus size and overweight often gets blurred, especially because they both refer to body types that don't fit into the "standard" mold. However, the primary difference lies in the context and usage of these terms:

  1. Context:



  • Plus size is mostly used in the fashion and clothing industry. It’s about the size of the clothes a person wears and doesn’t necessarily have any medical implications.

  • Overweight, on the other hand, is a term used in a medical or health context. It’s a term that is often associated with a person’s health status and is based on weight and height ratio (BMI).



  1. Health Implications:



  • Being overweight can sometimes carry negative health implications, such as an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions. However, it’s important to note that overweight doesn’t always equate to poor health.

  • Plus-size does not inherently imply health issues. In fact, a person can be plus-size and be in great health, just as someone who is considered "normal weight" could be unhealthy.



  1. Body Image and Society:



  • Plus-size is a term that has been increasingly embraced in fashion and body positivity movements. It’s a term that celebrates curvy bodies and challenges narrow beauty standards.

  • Overweight, on the other hand, often comes with negative connotations, particularly because it is linked to health concerns. Unfortunately, this has led to stigma and discrimination toward individuals who are classified as overweight by BMI.


Can You Be Plus-Size and Not Overweight?


Yes, absolutely. Plus size refers to a person’s clothing size, while overweight refers to a medical assessment based on BMI. Therefore, it’s entirely possible for someone to be considered plus-size but not overweight, especially if they are tall, muscular, or have a larger bone structure that leads to a higher body weight.

This is why it’s important to remember that body size is unique to each person, and health isn’t defined by a number on the scale or a size label. A person may wear plus-size clothing and still be healthy, active, and strong.

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