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Obesity

Obesity is a medical condition where someone has excessive body fat that can negatively affect their health. It’s not just about weight, but also about the amount of fat that accumulates in the body, especially around the belly.

Etymology: The word “obesity” has a long history, dating back to the late 16th century.

It comes from the medical Latin term “obesitas,” which itself stems from the Latin word “obesus,” meaning “fat.”

Obesity and Metabolism: Obesity is closely linked to metabolism—the complex biochemical processes that keep your body functioning. Here’s how:

People with obesity often have impaired metabolism. This means their bodies burn calories less efficiently, leading to an excess of calories being stored as fat.

Obesity can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels: which can contribute to type 2 diabetes.

Synonyms: Here are some well-documented synonyms for obesity:

  • Overweight (though “overweight” doesn’t necessarily indicate health risks)
  • Adiposity (a more technical term for excess body fat)