What term is used to describe an individual who is overweight?

The term that accurately describes an individual who is overweight is "overweight." This term is specifically used in clinical and healthcare settings to classify individuals whose body weight exceeds the recommended standards based on height and body composition. The classification of being overweight is an important concept in understanding health risks and is typically determined by calculating the body mass index (BMI), which provides a more standardized approach to assessing weight in relation to height.

While the term "fat" may colloquially imply being overweight, it lacks the precision needed in medical terminology and can carry negative connotations. Additionally, "obese" refers to a more severe category of excess weight that involves a higher BMI threshold than simply being labeled as overweight. The term "underweight" describes individuals whose weight is below the healthy range. Each of these terms reflects different aspects of body weight and health, but "overweight" is the most appropriate and widely accepted term for individuals who fall into that specific category.