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

His experience in internal medicine, longevity medicine, obesity medicine, and frontline pandemic care shaped CR8 Health’s emphasis on prevention, metabolic health, and sustainable results. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026

For decades before the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, bariatric surgery was one of the few effective weight loss treatments for patients living with obesity. —Amber Gaudet updated February 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026

One exciting and developing finding is that GLP-1s can improve fertility in certain women, particularly those struggling with overweight or obesity, or who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). —Deanna Pai, SELF, 20 Feb. 2026

The firm put buy ratings on Club names Bristol Myers , with green shoots in its pipeline emerging, and obesity leader Eli Lilly . —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 20 Feb. 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