Obese: meaning, definitions and examples

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obese

[əʊˈbiːs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

medical

Having an excess amount of body fat; extremely overweight.

Synonyms

corpulent, fat, overweight.

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. The doctor informed him that he was obese and needed to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Obese individuals have a higher risk of developing diabetes.
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. She decided to exercise more because she was slightly overweight. Many people struggle with being overweight in today's society.
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. He felt self-conscious about being called fat by his peers. The cat became fat because it was overfed.
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. The corpulent gentleman struggled to fit into the narrow chair. Her corpulent figure was a result of years of indulgence.

Examples of usage

The doctor warned him about the health risks associated with being obese.
Her obesity was causing serious health problems for her.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

informal

Unusually large; abnormally fat or overweight.

Synonyms

chubby, plump, rotund.

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. The doctors are concerned that he is becoming obese and may develop heart problems. Obesity is a growing issue in many developed countries.
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. She has such a chubby little baby with the cutest cheeks. The chubby cat lazily stretched in the sun.
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. She looked vibrant and healthy with her plump figure. The plump strawberries were perfect for the pie.
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. The rotund gentleman made his way to the buffet table. The rotund shape of the planet is visible from space.

Examples of usage

The cat became obese after being fed too many treats.
The elephant was so obese that it struggled to move.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "obese" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obeso

🇮🇳 मोटापा

🇩🇪 fettleibig

🇮🇩 obesitas

🇺🇦 ожирілий

🇵🇱 otyły

🇯🇵 肥満

🇫🇷 obèse

🇪🇸 obeso

🇹🇷 obez

🇰🇷 비만

🇸🇦 سمين

🇨🇿 obézní

🇸🇰 obézny

🇨🇳 肥胖

🇸🇮 debel

🇮🇸 offeitur

🇰🇿 семіз

🇬🇪 მსუქანი

🇦🇿 piy

🇲🇽 obeso

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,397, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14394 squeezing
14395 chaired
14396 bolster
14397 obese
14398 weariness
14399 irritable
14400 shank
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