Title: Effect of lifestyle habits and periodontal disease on metabolic syndrome in South Korean adults
Abstract:
Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with lifestyle and environmental factors. Lifestyle factors include not only physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption but also sleep duration, oral hygiene status, daily brushing frequency, and interdental cleaning. Especially, poor oral hygiene leading to periodontal disease is also associated with MetS, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite the increasing global prevalence of MetS and periodontal diseases, research on integrated health management remains insufficient.
Objectives: We aim to verify the impact of lifestyle on the incidence of MetS and the effect of periodontal disease on MetS, thereby emphasizing the need for a lifestyle management program for integrated health promotion."
Methods & Materials: This study analyzed data from 11,626 adults without missing values for key variables, using from the seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018). To verify whether there is a significant difference in MetS according to lifestyle and the presence of periodontal disease, a Chi-square test was conducted, and logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the impact of the presence of periodontal disease and lifestyle on MetS.
Results: Lifestyle factors influencing the occurrence of MetS were physical activity, sleep duration, smoking, alcohol consumption, and brushing frequency. In particular, sleep duration, smoking, and alcohol consumption had a significant effect on the likelihood of MetS occurrence, and the likelihood of MetS was low when moderate or higher physical activity was practiced (OR=0.85, p=0.010) and when the daily brushing frequency was 4 or more (OR=0.78, p=0.008). In addition, the factor influencing the occurrence of MetS is the presence or absence of periodontal disease. The group with periodontal disease was 1.29 times more likely to develop MetS than the group without periodontal disease (OR=1.29, p<0.001), which had a significant effect even after controlling general characteristics and lifestyle habits.
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, MetS and periodontal disease are closely related to general characteristics and lifestyle habits. MetS can lead to complications such as atherosclerotic disease, chronic kidney disease, and colorectal cancer, while periodontal disease can result in complications like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver disease, and obesity. Therefore, it is necessary to consider comprehensive and diverse factors to prevent complications arising from MetS and periodontal disease. Currently, there are many theoretical policies and education in South Korea that focus on sporadic and fragmentary contents such as distribution and promotion of national health living guidelines, and health education at public health centers. Therefore, it is necessary to change to an integrated health management system by preparing practical programs and mid- to long-term health promotion plans and policies that can practice proper lifestyle by the people themselves. Accordingly, in order to prevent the occurrence of MetS, it is necessary to establish a public health policy appropriate to the actual situation of the country and develop a lifestyle management program centered on risk factors.
Audience take away notes:
- Understanding the association between MetS and periodontal disease can provide insights into chronic disease management.
- This research provides a foundation for further studies on the interactions between lifestyle, oral health, and chronic diseases, enriching both research and education.
- Implementing a systematic lifestyle management program could reduce the costs associated with the treatment of MetS, periodontal disease, and their related complications.
- Based on the findings of this study, healthcare professionals and policy-makers can develop integrated health promotion strategies aimed at preventing MetS by improving lifestyle and enhancing oral health.
