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
Malorye Allison
Synonyms
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
During the pandemic, the state obesity rate hit a high of more than 26%.
—Kavitha Cardoza, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024
Earlier obesity treatments have been dogged by fears of psychiatric risks.
—Andrew Joseph, STAT, 12 Apr. 2024
For example, people who regularly sleep less than seven hours per night are more likely to have a higher risk of developing obesity than those who sleep more.16
Everyone's sleep needs differ, but adults generally need at least seven hours of sleep nightly.
—Carey Rossi, Health, 9 Apr. 2024
The study in people with diabetes follows on from a similar trial published last year of heart failure patients who had obesity, but not diabetes.
—Naomi Kresge, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2024
Unraveling obesity’s mechanisms could help scientists develop new drugs, or tailor existing ones, for a condition that now affects one in eight people.
—TIME, 4 Apr. 2024
Studies have found fewer infant deaths and infections among breastfed children and fewer incidences of long-term conditions like diabetes and obesity.
—Heather Vogell, ProPublica, 2 Apr. 2024
The economic aftereffects from obesity and excess weight on U.S. businesses and employers amounted to a staggering $425.5 billion in 2023.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
Having safe, attractive, and well-maintained places to exercise can chip away at community obesity levels.
—Brianna Kamienski, USA TODAY, 27 Mar. 2024
Kavitha Cardoza, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024
Earlier obesity treatments have been dogged by fears of psychiatric risks.
—Andrew Joseph, STAT, 12 Apr. 2024
For example, people who regularly sleep less than seven hours per night are more likely to have a higher risk of developing obesity than those who sleep more.16
Everyone's sleep needs differ, but adults generally need at least seven hours of sleep nightly.
—Carey Rossi, Health, 9 Apr. 2024
The study in people with diabetes follows on from a similar trial published last year of heart failure patients who had obesity, but not diabetes.
—Naomi Kresge, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2024
Unraveling obesity’s mechanisms could help scientists develop new drugs, or tailor existing ones, for a condition that now affects one in eight people.
—TIME, 4 Apr. 2024
Studies have found fewer infant deaths and infections among breastfed children and fewer incidences of long-term conditions like diabetes and obesity.
—Heather Vogell, ProPublica, 2 Apr. 2024
The economic aftereffects from obesity and excess weight on U.S. businesses and employers amounted to a staggering $425.5 billion in 2023.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
Having safe, attractive, and well-maintained places to exercise can chip away at community obesity levels.
—Brianna Kamienski, USA TODAY, 27 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obesity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing obesity
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Cite this Entry
“Obesity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obesity. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on obesity
Nglish: Translation of obesity for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of obesity for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about obesity
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