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

To date, there are studies into how the procedure could benefit treatment of autism spectrum disorder, alcohol use disorder, obesity, melanoma and cancer. —New Atlas, 28 Nov. 2025

Most obesity drugs on the market are formulated as weekly injections. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 28 Nov. 2025

Deep dive Drugmakers have created pill versions of GLP-1 medicines designed to treat obesity, offering a potential alternative to injectable drugs. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 26 Nov. 2025

But suddenly devouring a massive meal that’s high in carbohydrates might cause issues for people with diabetes or obesity, however. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 25 Nov. 2025

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