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 of obesity

• fatness
• fat
• weight
• adiposity
• corpulence

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

Medical professionals determined Quinonez Palomares’ cause of death was cardiovascular disease, with obesity listed as a significant condition, according to the report. —Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026

Some benefits associated with family dinners are related to the food on the table, such as lower rates of obesity. —Elise Haulund, CNN Money, 16 June 2026

In other words, excess fat is stored in the liver, most commonly in people with metabolic problems such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, says Cornier. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 15 June 2026

The company said its own research found that patients could sustain weight loss after stopping obesity drugs. —Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 14 June 2026

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