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

People with gum disease, cavities and missing teeth face elevated risk for stroke, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026

In one study involving teens with obesity, for instance, O’Sullivan and his colleagues found that participants who ingested fecal transplant capsules loaded with healthy gut bacteria had better metabolic health years later than those who didn’t. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 5 Oct. 2026

The finding suggests managing obesity isn’t just a matter of willpower. — Jamie Ross, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026

Some experts point to worsening public health since the 2008 financial crisis, citing factors such as growing obesity, long hospital waiting times, the cost-of-living crisis and other social causes. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 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