Definition: Obesity refers to the state of being obese.
Obesity is caused by the excessive accumulation of fat. Obese individuals have a high amount of body fat or adipose tissue in relation to their lean body mass. Adults with a body mass index of 30 or greater are considered obese. Body weight 30% or more in excess of what is considered normal is also indicative of obesity.
Pronunciation: oh-BEE-si-tee
Also Known As: corpulence, fleshiness, morbid obesity
Alternate Spellings: obeseness
Examples: Obesity poses many increased health risks, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
