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

While obesity is a major risk factor, the condition doesn’t only affect people who appear overweight. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025

But Eli Lilly brought a new way to treat diabetes and eventually, obesity. —Annika Kim Constantino,jacob Pramuk, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2025

Broader policy shifts and legislation targeting obesity prevention could move the needle. —David B. Sarwer, The Conversation, 21 Nov. 2025

Top scientists from both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have suggested that GLP-1s could have broader effects than just tackling obesity and diabetes. —Angelica Ang, Fortune, 21 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