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'.
肥満は生活習慣病のリスクを高めます。
Obesity increases the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
彼は肥満気味だ。
He is somewhat obese.
Specifically refers to obesity as a disease or medical condition requiring treatment. More clinical than 肥満.
肥満症と診断された。
I was diagnosed with obesity.
Talking about being overweight in casual conversation.
Literally 'excessive fatness'. Common in daily speech to describe someone as overweight. Less clinical than 肥満.
最近太りすぎが気になる。
I'm concerned about being overweight lately.
太りすぎは健康に良くない。
Being overweight is not good for your health.
Also used in everyday contexts, especially in health-related discussions, but can sound slightly formal.
Describing the severity or level of obesity.
Severe obesity. Often used in medical contexts.
高度肥満の人は手術を検討することもあります。
People with severe obesity may consider surgery.
Morbid obesity. Stronger clinical term.
病的肥満は深刻な健康問題です。
Morbid obesity is a serious health problem.
Specifically referring to obesity in children.
Childhood obesity. Standard term in medical and educational contexts.
小児肥満が増えている。
Childhood obesity is increasing.
Discussing obesity in terms of public health or societal trends.
The obesity problem/issue. Common in news and reports.
先進国では肥満問題が深刻化している。
The obesity problem is becoming more serious in developed countries.
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.
医者に肥満だと言われた。
The doctor told me I'm obese.
ちょっと太りすぎかな。
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).
世界で肥満率が上昇している。
Obesity rates are rising worldwide.
彼は肥満に悩んでいる。
He suffers from obesity.
Exercise is important to prevent obesity.