Assessing the Interrelationship of Obesity Indicators with Periodontal Health in a Cohort of Pakistani Population

Abstract

Objectives: Obesity is a growing public health concern worldwide, linked to various systemic diseases, including periodontitis. The study aims to evaluate the association between periodontitis and obesity using Body Mass Index and Waist-Hip Ratio.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at Bahria University Dental College, recruiting 120 patients (72 females, 48 males) from the dental OPD. Participants were categorized into three groups based on their BMI: Normal, Overweight, and Obese. Periodontal parameters were measured and compared among these groups.

Results: It was observed that the majority of the obese subjects had PPD in the range of 0–3 mm while 9 of the obese subjects had pocket depth in the range of >3 mm and < 6 mm (p=0.02). The values of CAL were also observed more in obese subjects (p=0.01). The BOP was also positive in 23 obese subjects followed by 12 subjects in the overweight category (p=0.03). The calculus deposition and 4-5 mm pocket depth were also observed in 10 and 11 obese subjects, which is higher than the number observed in other groups (p<0.001). No statistically significant correlation between WHR was observed with PPD and BOP. However, CAL had a significant association with WHR (p=0.01). The correlation between CPI and WHR was also statistically significant (p=0.001).

Conclusion: The study demonstrates a positive association between markers of periodontal health and obesity. This suggests that obesity may be a potential causal factor in the development of periodontitis.