obesity
The condition of being grossly fat or overweight, specifically a medical condition where excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health.
Unlike 'overweight', which is a general term, obesity is a specific clinical diagnosis often determined by Body Mass Index (BMI) or body fat percentage.
Word relationships
- adiposity: A more technical, physiological term for having a high amount of fatty tissue.
- corpulence: A more formal, slightly dated term for bulkiness of body.
- emaciation: The state of being abnormally thin or weak, usually due to illness or lack of food.
Commonly confused with
- overweight: Overweight means weighing more than is normal for one's height, while obesity specifically refers to excess body fat.
Word family
- obese (adjective): Affected by obesity.
Collocations
- childhood obesity
- morbid obesity
- obesity epidemic
- tackle obesity
Example sentences
- "Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat." A formal report on global health trends. (Mayo Clinic)
- "The rising rates of childhood obesity have prompted new regulations on school lunches." Discussing the economic impact of health.
Memory hook
Think of 'OB' as 'Over-Board' and 'ESITY' as 'Eating City'—eating so much you've gone over the limit for a whole city. Obesity: Over-Eating to a clinical degree.
When not to use
Avoid using it as a casual insult; it is a clinical term for a complex health condition.
Fun facts
- In the 18th century, obesity was sometimes viewed as a sign of prosperity and health before its medical risks were understood.
Explore more words
malnutrition, undernourished, Growth, morbidity, wasting, macronutrient
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