Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aims at reviewing available evidence on the relationship between obesity and periodontitis, focusing on whether obesity is a risk factor for the development and progression of periodontal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis were reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in databases such as PUBMED, SCOPUS, and Web of Science for studies investigating the correlation between obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) and periodontitis in adult patients. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I(2) statistic, and a meta-analysis was performed to calculate pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The analysis included 19 studies with a total of 41,107 patients. The meta-analysis showed a significant association between obesity and an increased risk of periodontitis (OR = 1.31 95% CI: 1.22-1.41) confirming that obesity is a risk factor for periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that obesity is significantly associated with an increased risk of periodontitis. Given this correlation, further research is needed to better understand the implications of this association on clinical outcomes.