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

Analysts are confident Lilly will keep its lead in obesity drugs. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

The company, which was first out of the gate in the modern GLP-1 era, has since fallen behind Eli Lilly in the obesity market and underwhelmed investors with its pipeline. — Andrew Joseph, STAT, 14 Sep. 2026

Light exposure at night has been linked to higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 11 Sep. 2026

Sleep apnea, chronic stress, obesity, thyroid disorders, and certain medications can produce nearly identical complaints. — Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 10 Sep. 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