Research Article

Association of physical activity level and body mass index with periodontal disease severity: A cross-sectional study

Volume: 65 Number: 3 September 3, 2026
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Association of physical activity level and body mass index with periodontal disease severity: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: This cross-sectional study evaluated the relationship of physical activity (PA) level and body mass index (BMI) with periodontal disease severity in adults. Materials and Methods: The study included 200 patients aged 18-65 years. Demographic data, systemic conditions, smoking status, oral hygiene practices, and dental attendance patterns were recorded. PA level was determined using the Turkish version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized as low, moderate, or high. Periodontal status was assessed using clinical periodontal measurements and panoramic radiographs, and participants were classified as having gingivitis, stage I/II periodontitis, or stage III/IV periodontitis. BMI was categorized as underweight/normal weight, overweight, or obese/extremely obese. Statistical analyses included chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests, as well as correlation analysis. Statistical significance was accepted at p<0.05. Results: The periodontal groups comprised 115 patients with gingivitis, 24 with stage I/II periodontitis, and 61 with stage III/IV periodontitis. Age, education level, cardiovascular disease, dental visit frequency, and BMI were significantly related to periodontal status (p<0.05). PA level was not significantly related to periodontal status (p=0.146). Age, education level, cardiovascular disease, periodontal status, and PA level varied significantly across BMI categories. Higher BMI categories were linked to more advanced periodontal status and lower PA level (p<0.05). Conclusion: BMI was associated with periodontal disease severity, whereas PA level was not directly associated with periodontal status. Differences in PA level across BMI categories suggest that lifestyle-related factors and body weight status can contribute to periodontal risk assessment.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

None

Project Number

Yoktur

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by the Trakya University Non-Interventional Scientific Research Ethics Committee with the approval number TÜTF-GOBAEK 2024/201. All participants were informed about the study procedures, and written informed consent was obtained prior to participation. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Thanks

The authors would like to thank Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mediha Büyükgöze Dindar for her valuable contribution to the statistical analysis and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Meltem Tekbaş Atay for her academic support throughout the study.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Clinical Sciences (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 3, 2026

Submission Date

June 15, 2026

Acceptance Date

July 20, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 65 Number: 3

APA
Gençay Yıldırım, D., Açıkgöz Alparslan, E., & Yılmaz, A. (2026). Association of physical activity level and body mass index with periodontal disease severity: A cross-sectional study. Ege Tıp Dergisi, 65(3), 563-571. https://doi.org/10.19161/etd.1971646
AMA
1.Gençay Yıldırım D, Açıkgöz Alparslan E, Yılmaz A. Association of physical activity level and body mass index with periodontal disease severity: A cross-sectional study. EJM. 2026;65(3):563-571. doi:10.19161/etd.1971646
Chicago
Gençay Yıldırım, Deniz, Ece Açıkgöz Alparslan, and Ali Yılmaz. 2026. “Association of Physical Activity Level and Body Mass Index With Periodontal Disease Severity: A Cross-Sectional Study”. Ege Tıp Dergisi 65 (3): 563-71. https://doi.org/10.19161/etd.1971646.
EndNote
Gençay Yıldırım D, Açıkgöz Alparslan E, Yılmaz A (September 1, 2026) Association of physical activity level and body mass index with periodontal disease severity: A cross-sectional study. Ege Tıp Dergisi 65 3 563–571.
IEEE
[1]D. Gençay Yıldırım, E. Açıkgöz Alparslan, and A. Yılmaz, “Association of physical activity level and body mass index with periodontal disease severity: A cross-sectional study”, EJM, vol. 65, no. 3, pp. 563–571, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.19161/etd.1971646.
ISNAD
Gençay Yıldırım, Deniz - Açıkgöz Alparslan, Ece - Yılmaz, Ali. “Association of Physical Activity Level and Body Mass Index With Periodontal Disease Severity: A Cross-Sectional Study”. Ege Tıp Dergisi 65/3 (September 1, 2026): 563-571. https://doi.org/10.19161/etd.1971646.
JAMA
1.Gençay Yıldırım D, Açıkgöz Alparslan E, Yılmaz A. Association of physical activity level and body mass index with periodontal disease severity: A cross-sectional study. EJM. 2026;65:563–571.
MLA
Gençay Yıldırım, Deniz, et al. “Association of Physical Activity Level and Body Mass Index With Periodontal Disease Severity: A Cross-Sectional Study”. Ege Tıp Dergisi, vol. 65, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 563-71, doi:10.19161/etd.1971646.
Vancouver
1.Deniz Gençay Yıldırım, Ece Açıkgöz Alparslan, Ali Yılmaz. Association of physical activity level and body mass index with periodontal disease severity: A cross-sectional study. EJM. 2026 Sep. 1;65(3):563-71. doi:10.19161/etd.1971646

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