fatness

American  

[fat-nis] / ˈfæt nɪs /

noun

1. the state or condition of being fat; obesity; corpulence.

2. richness; fertility; abundance.

   the fatness of the land.

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Usage

What does fatness mean? Fatness is a word for the state or condition of being or being considered obese or overweight.The word fat is most often used in a critical, judgmental, or mean way, and the same is often true of fatness. In contrast, the synonym obesity is more often used in a neutral way, such as in a medical context in the discussion of a person’s health (though it too can be used in a judgmental or mean way).Fatness isn’t always used in a negative way. Some people might refer to others’ or their own fatness in a way that’s not intended to be critical, as in I don’t have to apologize for my fatness. Example: As a society, we tend to value skinny bodies and shame fatness.  

Etymology

Origin of fatness

before 1000; Middle English fatnesse, Old English fǣtnes. See fat, -ness

Example Sentences

Conducted by the University of South Australia's Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity team, the 'Life on Holidays' study assessed changes to children's fitness and fatness during the holidays.

From Science Daily • Dec. 11, 2023

In any case, BMI or any measure of body fatness should not be used alone to address cardiovascular risks.

From Scientific American • Jul. 5, 2023

In our culture, fatness and baldness and mental illness are stigmatized.

From Washington Post • Feb. 23, 2023

They define, classify and pathologize a range of human conditions, from male pattern baldness to fatness.

From Salon • Dec. 6, 2022

I’m glad it’s dusk; I’m nervous about the backs of my thighs, the wrinkling above my knees, the soft fold across my stomach, not fatness exactly but a pleat.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood