Evaluation of body weight, body mass index, and body fat percentage changes in early stages of fixed orthodontic therapy

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage (BFP) during the initial stages of fixed orthodontic treatment.Materials and Methods:The sample for this observational prospective study included 68 individuals with fixed orthodontic appliance in the age group of 18–25 years of both the sexes (25 males and 43 females). The control group consisted of 60 individuals (24 males and 36 females). The weight, BMI, and BFP were measured using a Body Composition Monitor at three points of time “T1” initial; “T2” after 1 month; and “T2” after 3 months. The results were tabulated and analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. The mean changes between different parameters in both the study and control groups and between males and females in the study group was compared by using two-tailed unpaired student's t-test. The statistical significance is set atP ≤ 0.05.Results:There was an overall decrease in the body weight, BMI, and BFP after 1 month in the study cohort, which was statistically significant compared to the control group (P < 0.0001). This was followed by an increase in the parameters after the end of the 3rd month. Comparison of the parameters between the study and control group at the start of the treatment and at the end of the 3rd month had no statistical significance. There was a marked variation in the changes of these parameters between males and females of the study group, which is statistically significant (<0.0001).Conclusion:There is a definite reduction in the weight, BMP, and BMI at the end of the first month followed by a gain of weight, but not at the initial point by the end of the 3rd month.

The Impact of Orthodontic Appliance on Body Weight Changes, Dietary Habits, and Self-Perceived Discomfort in Early Stages of Orthodontic Treatment

“…Orthodontic treatment usually recommends to eat soft food to prevent associated pain and discomfort, difficulty in chewing, and the risk of appliance breakage on eating hard food (Sandeep et al, 2016). Orthodontic management is said to create a physical, physiologic, and emotional stress which causes an increases in nutrient utilization which raises the individual's body nutritional requirement (Ajmera et al, 2015).…”

“…Followed by an increased in these parameters at the end of the third month. Unfortunately, this study did not consider any psychological, environmental or dietary changes that could contribute to the weight loss (Sandeep et al, 2016). It is known that orthodontic treatment induces a physical, psychological and emotional stress that reduce nutrient utilization.…”

“…However, after 4 to 6 weeks masticatory ability is expected to return to its baseline (Feldmann, List, & Bondemark, 2011). Consequently, to minimize pain and discomfort patients usually tend to follow a soft food diet and decrease their dietary intake (Sandeep et al, 2016). A study predicted that the application of arch wires will result in restraining many types of food which is caused by the loss of pleasure to eat (Marcenes, Steele, Sheiham, & Walls, 2003).…”

“…A study predicted that the application of arch wires will result in restraining many types of food which is caused by the loss of pleasure to eat (Marcenes, Steele, Sheiham, & Walls, 2003). Hence, the patients have to have attention toward their nutrients and consume food that are rich in nutritional values to maintain a good overall health (Sandeep et al, 2016).…”

“…Therefore, requiring the increase of the individual dietary intake (Ajmera, Tarvade, & Patni, 2015). Limited food intake or consuming only soft diet will result in decrease of body weight and thus loss of body fat (Sandeep et al, 2016).…”