Translation guide
The condition of being very overweight, often with health implications. In Japanese, the most common medical and general term is 肥満 (himan). For everyday conversation, 太りすぎ (futorisugi) is more natural. There are also nuanced terms for degree and context.
Referring to obesity as a medical diagnosis or in formal contexts.
Standard term for obesity in medical, health, and formal contexts. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'become obese'.
Obesity increases the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
Specifically refers to obesity as a disease or medical condition requiring treatment. More clinical than 肥満.
Talking about being overweight in casual conversation.
Describing the severity or level of obesity.
Specifically referring to obesity in children.
Childhood obesity. Standard term in medical and educational contexts.
Discussing obesity in terms of public health or societal trends.
肥満 is the formal, medical term for obesity, often used in health contexts and news. 太りすぎ is more casual and subjective, meaning 'overweight' or 'too fat'. In daily conversation, 太りすぎ is more common unless discussing a medical diagnosis.
The doctor told me I'm obese.
Obesity rates are rising worldwide.
彼は肥満気味だ。
He is somewhat obese.
肥満症と診断された。
I was diagnosed with obesity.
Literally 'excessive fatness'. Common in daily speech to describe someone as overweight. Less clinical than 肥満.
I'm concerned about being overweight lately.
Being overweight is not good for your health.
Also used in everyday contexts, especially in health-related discussions, but can sound slightly formal.
Exercise is important to prevent obesity.
People with severe obesity may consider surgery.
Morbid obesity. Stronger clinical term.
Morbid obesity is a serious health problem.
Childhood obesity is increasing.
The obesity problem is becoming more serious in developed countries.
I might be a bit overweight.
Using 肥満 in casual chat can sound overly clinical or blunt. If you want to say someone is overweight without sounding medical, use 太りすぎ or softer expressions like ぽっちゃり (chubby).
彼は肥満に悩んでいる。
He suffers from obesity.