Assessment of relationship between body mass index and periodontal status among state government employees in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

BACKGROUND: The literature shows that an increased body mass index (BMI) may be a potential risk factor for periodontitis. Association between BMI and periodontitis has been ascribed to unhealthy dietary patterns with insufficient micronutrients and excess sugar and fat content. AIM: The present study intended to assess the relation between BMI and periodontal status among state government employees in Shimla city, Himachal Pradesh in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised 1,008 subjects aged 18-58 years, drawn by a proportional sample from 10,908 employees. BMI was calculated by the Quetelet index as the ratio of the subject's body weight (in kg) to the square of the height (in meters). Periodontal status was recorded using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Binary multiple logistic regression analysis was done to assess the relation between BMI and periodontal status. The dependent variable for logistic regression analysis was categorized into control group (scores 0-2 of the CPI) and periodontitis group (scores 3 and 4 of the CPI). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of periodontal disease was 98.9%. Score 2 (bleeding and calculus) was the highest score prevailing among the subjects. They had an increased risk of periodontitis by 56% for each 1 kg/m(2) increase in BMI, which means that a higher BMI could be a potential risk factor for periodontitis among the adults aged 18 to 58 years. CONCLUSION: BMI evaluation could be used in the assessment of periodontal risk.