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

This isn’t the first time researchers have connected sleep to weight, and particularly to obesity. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 6 July 2026

Rates of chronic disease, obesity and stress continue to rise across America. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026

While much of the conversation around food noise centers around obesity, especially in adults, its impact is far more than physical. — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 3 July 2026

Without enough fiber, blood sugar can rise more quickly after meals, especially among people with diabetes or obesity. — Md Published, Verywell Health, 2 July 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