obesity

noun

obe·​si·​ty ō-ˈbē-sə-tē How to pronounce obesity (audio)
: 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

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 For managing obesity and diabetes, these medications work by slowing digestion, reducing appetite, and enhancing insulin release in response to meals. Dr. Faizah Shareef, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2024 Some types of carbohydrates are high in fiber, supporting digestive health and protecting against conditions like obesity and heart disease. Jillian Kubala, Health, 16 Oct. 2024 Almost a third of claims are attributed to long-term sickness, including pre-existing health conditions, such as obesity, which has been exacerbated by Covid. Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2024 However, research shows that diets with excess sugar intake can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, liver disease, some cancers and heart disease. Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 12 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for obesity 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obesity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of obesity was circa 1611

Dictionary Entries Near obesity

Cite this Entry

“Obesity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obesity. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

obesity

noun
obe·​si·​ty ō-ˈbē-sət-ē How to pronounce obesity (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on obesity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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