fatten

Fatten is a verb meaning to cause to become fat or to gain weight. It can refer to people as well as animals, and the noun form fattening describes the process of increasing body fat or tissue.

In animal husbandry, fattening refers to feeding regimens designed to increase fat deposition, often in preparation for slaughter or market. Finishing periods employ high-energy diets, typically rich in grains and fats, to improve carcass quality and fat depth. The practice aims to optimize meat yield and consumer value, while also affecting feed efficiency and animal health.

In humans, fattening results from an energy imbalance where caloric intake exceeds energy expenditure. Weight gain can be intentional, as part of dietary plans or cultural practices, or unintentional due to metabolic, behavioral, or environmental factors. Adipose tissue expands as adipocytes store triglycerides; distribution of fat varies by sex, age, and genetics.

Health implications: prolonged excess fat, particularly visceral or central adiposity, is associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions. Weight management emphasizes balanced nutrition, physical activity, and medical guidance when needed. Social and cultural norms influence perceptions of acceptable or desirable body size.

Measurement and terminology: body weight alone is a crude indicator; body fat percentage and BMI are commonly used metrics. Fattening remains a general, non-technical term; more precise terms include adiposity, weight gain, and obesity in clinical contexts.