obesity

noun

obe·​si·​ty ō-ˈbē-sə-tē 

: a condition characterized by the excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body

Obesity affects not just appearance, but disease processes as well.

—Malorye Allison

Synonyms

• adiposity
• chubbiness
• corpulence
• corpulency
• embonpoint
• fat
• fatness
• fattiness
• fleshiness
• grossness
• plumpness
• portliness
• pudginess
• pursiness
• rotundity
• weight

Examples of obesity in a Sentence

obesity has been linked to a number of health risks, such as heart disease

Recent Examples on the Web

The study also found that the largest decrease of obesity occurred in the South. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024

With Americans still exhibiting high rates of obesity, added sugars under the microscope, and consumers demanding better-for-you foods and beverages, healthier LNCS are poised for strong growth. —Hank Cardello, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Studies have shown that alongside weight loss and Type 2 diabetes management, the drugs may protect against high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease and other health complications of obesity. —Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 11 Dec. 2024

People with diabetes can lower their odds of developing clots by addressing other factors that increase risk, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and a sedentary lifestyle, Hamdy notes. —Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French obesité, borrowed from Latin obēsitāt-, obēsitās, from obēsus "fat, stout" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at obese

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing obesity

• anti-obesity

Medical Definition

obesity

noun

obe·​si·​ty ō-ˈbē-sət-ē 

plural obesities

: a condition that is characterized by excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body and that in an adult is typically indicated by a body mass index of 30 or greater