Impact of Orthodontic Treatment on Body Mass Index, Self-esteem and Food Habits |Chapter 12 | Medical Science: Updates and Prospects Vol. 2

 

Body mass index (BMI) is a simple, inexpensive, and widely accepted measure for assessing nutritional status and overall health. It is calculated from an individual’s weight and height and is used globally to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises BMI as a universal standard for monitoring population health and obesity trends. In children and adolescents, BMI is interpreted using age- and sex-specific percentiles, commonly referred to as BMI-for-age. Beyond being a physical health indicator, BMI also reflects aspects of psychological well-being, as body weight and self-perception are closely interrelated. During orthodontic treatment, patients often experience temporary discomfort, pain, and chewing difficulties following appliance placement or adjustments. To minimise such issues and prevent appliance breakage, orthodontists usually recommend a soft or semi-solid diet. While these dietary modifications help reduce pain and maintain appliance integrity, they may restrict the intake of certain foods, leading to potential changes in nutritional balance. Prolonged adherence to such a diet can influence energy intake, metabolism, and weight, thereby affecting a patient’s BMI. In orthodontics, monitoring BMI has become increasingly relevant, as dietary changes, discomfort, and adaptation throughout treatment may alter patients’ nutritional status over time. Additionally, patients with severe malocclusion often report low self-esteem due to dissatisfaction with their dental appearance. This chapter discusses the longitudinal changes in BMI, food habits, and self-esteem among patients during the first year of orthodontic treatment, offering insights into the interplay between nutrition, physical transformation, and psychological adjustment. It also incorporates findings from a study conducted by the authors on the same topic, providing evidence-based perspectives on how orthodontic treatment influences these parameters over time.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Sangeetha M. Gnaneswar
Department of Orthodontics, SRM Dental College, SRM University, Ramapuram, Chennai, 600089, India.

 

Vimala Gnanasambandam
Department of Orthodontics, Tamilnadu Government Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msup/v2/6531