Background: Obese patients with esophageal cancer have been increasing worldwide. However, the impact of obesity on esophagectomy still remains controversial. In this study, we clarified the relations between obesity and postoperative outcomes after esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer. Methods: A total of 215 patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2014 were retrospectively assessed. We qualified the body mass index (BMI), visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) using CYNAPSE VINCENT™. Clincopathological factors, postoperative morbidity, and survival after esophagectomy were assessed with these obesity-related factors. Results: The mean BMI, VFA, and SFA were 22.0 kg/m², 83.0cm², and 87.3cm². BMI, VFA and SFA were significantly correlated each other (P < 0.001). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension were significantly more in high SFA than normal SFA (20% vs 10%, 30% vs 14%). When the patients were divided to two groups according to BMI (< 25 or ≥25kg/m²), VFA ( < 100 or ≥100cm²) and SFA ( < 100 or ≥100cm²), operative time was significantly longer in high SFA (P = 0.03) than normal SFA, and tended to be longer in high BMI, but blood loss were similar in each groups. Maximum level of postoperative CRP was significantly higher in high BMI (P < 0.001), in high VFA (P < 0.001), and in high SFA (P < 0.001). Length of systemic inflammatory response syndrome was significantly longer in high BMI than normal BMI (1.9 days vs 1.4 days P = 0.04), and length of ventilator support was significantly longer in high SFA than normal SFA (3.0 days vs 2.2 days P = 0.006). The incidence of anastomotic leakage and surgical site infection were significantly higher in high SFA than normal SFA (27% vs 10%, 37% vs 19%). There were no significant difference in overall survival, however, patients in high VFA tended to be longer survival than those in normal VFA (P = 0.078). Conclusions: Anastomotic leakage and surgical site infection occurred more frequently in high SFA. It might be useful to examine SFA preoperatively in obese patients with esophageal cancer for prevention of postoperative complications. Patients in high VFA tended to be longer survival than those in normal VFA.