pack on the pounds

present singular third person packs on the pounds · participle present packing on the pounds · participle past packed on the pounds · past packed on the pounds

1. colloquialTo gain weight, especially as a result of vigorous or excessive eating.

   One can stick to low cholesterol foods, yet eat such quantities as to pack on the pounds.

   1969 December 10, Dr. George C. Thosteson, “Methods of Controlling Cholesterol”, in Milwaukee Sentinel, retrieved 13 Nov 2010, page 17

   2 more examples

   For growing youngsters, this marvelous nourishment helps pack on the pounds, adds inches to height.

   1936, "Today, these healthy Dionne Quins had Quaker Oats" (advertisement), Windsor Daily Star (Canada), 3 Dec., p. 27 (retrieved 13 Nov 2010)

   Not only are married people more likely to become obese than those who are just dating, but young people who move in with a boyfriend or girlfriend tend to pack on the pounds too.

   2009 July 6, Bonnie Rochman, “First Comes Love, Then Comes Obesity?”, in Time