Obesities

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A condition characterized by excessive body fat that poses health risks and is often measured by a body mass index (BMI) above a certain level
2. A medical issue defined by an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat, leading to potential health complications and societal stigma
3. Referring to various forms of the disorder marked by an increased body fat percentage, which can affect physical health, psychological well-being, and lifestyle choices

Etymology: "Obesities" is simply the plural of "obesity," so its history is that of the singular noun. "Obesity" came into English from French "obésité," which in turn descends from Latin "obēsitās," a noun built on the adjective "obēsus," meaning "fat" or "well-fed." The Latin adjective is itself rooted in the verb "edere," "to eat," with the prefix "ob-" added, so the literal sense is something like "having eaten until swollen." The English form "obese" and the suffix "-ity" in "obesity" reflect this same Latin lineage, showing how a word about feeding ended up describing a medical condition.

Synonyms: overweight, corpulence, fatness

Antonyms: slimness, thinness