Obese Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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obese
[əʊˈbiːs ]
Definitions
medical
Having an excess amount of body fat; extremely overweight.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| obese |
Used in medical or formal contexts to describe a person who has a high amount of body fat. Often implies a health concern.
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| overweight |
A more neutral and less harsh term compared to 'fat', often used in everyday conversation or general descriptions. It may or may not imply a health concern.
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| fat |
A straightforward and common term used to describe someone who carries excess body weight. Can be considered impolite or offensive if used to directly describe a person.
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| corpulent |
A more formal or literary term to describe someone who is notably overweight. It can have an old-fashioned or even somewhat humorous tone.
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Examples of usage
- The doctor warned him about the health risks associated with being obese.
- Her obesity was causing serious health problems for her.
informal
Unusually large; abnormally fat or overweight.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| obese |
This term is used in medical or formal contexts to describe someone who is very overweight and it usually implies a serious health condition. It carries a negative connotation.
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| chubby |
This word is used more casually and is often considered affectionate or neutral. It describes someone who is pleasantly overweight, usually in a cute or endearing way. It is often used for children or pets.
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| plump |
This word is generally positive or neutral and is used to describe someone who has a full, rounded body shape. It can also apply to objects like fruits.
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| rotund |
This term is formal and can be descriptive or slightly humorous. It often applies to someone who is round in shape. It can sometimes carry a mild negative connotation or be used in a literary context.
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Examples of usage
- The cat became obese after being fed too many treats.
- The elephant was so obese that it struggled to move.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health
- Obesity can increase the risk of several health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
- It is often measured using the Body Mass Index (BMI), which calculates weight in relation to height.
- Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and genetics can contribute to obesity.
Cultural Perspectives
- In different cultures, the perception of body weight can vary, with some viewing larger body types as symbols of prosperity or health.
- Media portrayals often reflect societal attitudes towards obesity, with mixed messages about health and beauty.
Psychology
- Obesity can be linked to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as societal stigma.
- Emotional eating, or eating in response to feelings rather than hunger, can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975.
- In the U.S., more than 40% of adults were diagnosed as obese as of 2020, demonstrating a growing health concern.
Origin of 'obese'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'obese' comes from the Latin word 'obesus,' which means 'fat' or 'swollen.'
- It was first used in English in the early 15th century, primarily in medical contexts to describe excessive body fat.
The word 'obese' comes from the Latin word 'obesus', which means 'having eaten until fat'. The term has been used in medical contexts since the 17th century to describe individuals with an excessive amount of body fat. In modern times, obesity is a growing health concern due to sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits.