Skip to content
Plain English
  • Pricing
  • Why Plain English?
  • Free Samples
    Sign in Sign up
    Plain English

    • Pricing
    • Why Plain English?
    • Free Samples
    Sign in Sign up
    • Pricing
    • Why Plain English?
    • Free Samples
    Sign in Sign up

    Lesson #556

    Click each section for transcripts, audio, and exercises

    Story | Health

    A new type of weight loss treatment targets the obesity epidemic

    A doctor examines a patient with obesity. New drugs may help treatment for the epidemic that affects over a billion people worldwide
    March 20, 2023:

    Obesity affects over a billion people worldwide and can lead to chronic diseases like heart attacks, stroke, and cancer. Now, a new class of drugs has been shown to reduce weight in obese patients by up to 20 percent. This is promising, but it's not the magic bullet some may be hoping for. Plus, learn the English expression "to spare."

    Audio & transcripts
    Expression

    To spare

    Meeting participants are getting lunch. After the meeting is over
    When you have something to spare, you have more of it than you need
    Audio & transcripts

    Quick Links

    • Practice using the expression
    • Lesson quiz: Test yourself
    • Dig deeper: More about this topic
    • Your turn: Comment on this story

    Unlock hundreds of lessons & transcripts

    Join for free and get access to our full library English expressions and current events lessons.

    Join now: it’s free
    • About
      • Help Center
      • About Plain English
      • Why Plain English?
      • Contact
      • Features
    • Resources
      • Free Email Lessons
      • All Resources
      • Listening
      • Speaking
    • Join
      • Free Trial
      • Plain English Plus+
      • Starter Membership
      • Forever Free
    ©2025 Plain English.
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT

    loading

    Please wait while you are redirected to the right page...