Crossword Genius

An increasing problem ties boy in knots (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

obesity

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'an increasing problem' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

'ties boy in knots' is the wordplay.
'in knots' is an anagram indicator (I've seen this in other clues).
'ties'+'boy'='tiesboy'
'tiesboy' with letters rearranged gives 'OBESITY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for obesity that I've seen before include "Fatness to great excess" , "Bulk" , "Abnormal fatness" , "Unhealthy excess of fatness" , "Condition of excessive fatness" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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