Obesity

Obesidad

In 9 languages

LanguageTerm
EnglishObesity
Spanish (Español) Obesidad
Chinese (中文) 肥胖症
Korean (한국어) 비만
Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) Béo phì
Filipino (Tagalog) Obesity
Portuguese (Português) Obesidade
Thai (ภาษาไทย) โรคอ้วน
Japanese (日本語) 肥満

What it means

Obesity is a chronic medical condition defined by an excessive amount of body fat that increases the risk of other health problems. It is typically measured using body mass index (BMI), with obesity defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. Excess weight puts strain on the heart, joints, and organs. It raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and certain cancers. Causes include a combination of genetics, diet, physical activity levels, and environment. Treatment includes structured eating plans, increased physical activity, behavioral counseling, medications, and in some cases bariatric surgery.

How to say it

Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:

My doctor diagnosed me with obesity and I want to discuss treatment options beyond diet and exercise.

Mi médico me diagnosticó obesidad y quiero hablar sobre opciones de tratamiento más allá de la dieta y el ejercicio.

I am interested in whether I qualify for a weight loss medication covered by my insurance.

Me interesa saber si califico para un medicamento para bajar de peso cubierto por mi seguro.

My doctor referred me for a bariatric surgery evaluation due to my obesity and related conditions.

Mi médico me derivó a una evaluación de cirugía bariátrica debido a mi obesidad y condiciones relacionadas.

Where you'll see it

chartEOBmedical recordreferralprescription

Related ICD-10-CM category

E66 Overweight and obesity

Related terms

Sources

US Glossary Español A–Z US Codes United States

Last reviewed: September 2026