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

Spending too much time on screens has been linked to inadequate sleep, poor grades, and a greater risk of obesity. —Katherine Lee, Parents, 13 Mar. 2026

High blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity and smoking have long been lifestyle factors associated with higher dementia risk. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026

Continue reading … POINTING THE FINGER — With obesity surging among one group, experts target the problem — and the fix. —FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026

Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Eli Lilly’s blockbuster diabetes drug Mounjaro and obesity drug Zepbound. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 12 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