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

And some risk factors for obesity aren’t modifiable, for example genetics; researchers have identified at least 15 different genes that influence obesity. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 31 Oct. 2025

Gallup released a survey this week showing that the obesity rate among US adults has fallen to 37% this year, a significant drop from the record high of nearly 40% just three years ago. —Matty Merritt, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reports that about 35% of adults in the state are classified as obese, placing it among 19 states with obesity prevalence at or above that level. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025

It’s the first time in over a decade that obesity rates have not risen. —semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2025

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