Definition of lose weight

The phrase "lose weight" is a relatively modern invention. While the concept of reducing body mass has existed for centuries, the phrase itself likely emerged in the late 19th century, coinciding with the rise of weight-loss culture and the development of more precise scales for measuring weight. The phrase combines two existing words: "lose," meaning to become deprived of something, and "weight," referring to the heaviness of an object. Its use in relation to body mass likely stemmed from the growing emphasis on physical appearance and the desire to achieve a "desirable" weight, particularly among women.