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

The incident sparked broader questions about why Tasers sometimes fail and whether obesity or body composition can impede their effectiveness. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

While the current study focused on adults with obesity, more research is needed to determine whether these benefits extend to those with other health conditions. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 5 Sep. 2026

Demand from Africa currently accounts for only a fraction of the global weight-loss drug market that is expected to reach $100 billion by 2030, but obesity cases are rising and projected to double by 2050, causing public health concern. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026

And obesity rates are continuing to rise in adults and children. — Michelle Marchante september 4, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 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