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

Sleep deprivation is linked to heart disease, cognitive decline, obesity and numerous other problems. —ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026

Africa’s biggest economy is grappling with a growing obesity crisis, driving demand for weight-loss medication. —semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026

The medications — including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound — are approved for diabetes and obesity, and are used by millions of Americans. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026

Other administrators may specialize in comprehensive obesity management, offering telehealth, nutrition and lifestyle support for patients. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 5 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