Crossword Genius

Disastrously obese friend (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fatally

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'disastrously' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adverbs. Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'obese friend' is the wordplay.
'obese' becomes 'fat' (similar in meaning).
'friend' becomes 'ally' (an ally is a friend or supporter).
'fat'+'ally'='FATALLY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fatally that I've seen before include "with no hope of revival" , "in decisive manner" , "So as to cause death" , "Might one be wounded thus" , "producing disastrous result" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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