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Abstract

Background: Obesity is a growing public health concern and has been linked to various systemic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers. Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss and is influenced by several risk factors, including obesity. Despite efforts to control obesity and improve oral hygiene, the association between obesity and periodontal disease remains unclear, particularly in the urban population of Sambhal, India. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease and its impact on general and oral health.
Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 adults aged 18-80 years in urban Sambhal over two months. The sample was selected using a purposive sampling technique. Participants were classified as obese (BMI ≥30) or non-obese (BMI <30) based on WHO criteria. Periodontal health was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and loss of attachment (LOA) criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21, with the chi-square test used to determine significance (p<0.05).
Results: The prevalence of periodontal disease was 61.3% in the study population. Among obese individuals, 74.3% had periodontal disease compared to 58.5% in the non-obese group (p=0.002). A significant association was found between obesity and CPI scores (p=0.020) as well as obesity and LOA (p=0.013). The risk of developing periodontal disease was 1.4 times higher in obese individuals, particularly in younger adults (20-39 years).
Conclusion: The study confirms a significant association between obesity and periodontal disease, particularly in younger adults. Given the systemic implications of obesity, primary care physicians should focus on preventive measures, lifestyle modifications, and awareness programs to reduce the risk of periodontal disease and improve overall health.