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

Interest in the drug surged after a 2023 clinical trial reported substantial weight loss among adults with obesity. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

Chemicals found in plastics have been associated with cancer, nervous system damage, hormone disruption, obesity, and fertility issues. —Shanna Swan, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026

For the study, researchers analyzed data from food logs collected from 112 people with overweight or obesity who were enrolled in a structured behavioral weight loss program. —Korin Miller, SELF, 27 Mar. 2026

Two other events further eroded investor faith in the company at the heart of the obesity drug revolution. —Ed Silverman, STAT, 26 Mar. 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