While obesity certainly has its known health risks, more recent studies have found yet another problem surrounding obesity.  They say that obese men are more likely to develop gingivitis or periodontal disease.  I don’t know if this came from the stereotype that those who are obese don’t necessarily take care of other areas of the body or otherwise who even suggested the idea.  But apparently, the studies confirm their suggestion, whoever brought it up.  Ultimately, these cases turn into periodontis if not taken care of, which can result in teeth falling out among other things.

The actual study started in 1986.  But most of us have never heard about it.  They had 37000 men in this study, and when they started, every one of these men were free of periodontal disease or any other major dental defects.  They found some men that were obese and some that were not.  But according to study results, those with a BMI over 30 were 29% more likely to develop periodontal disease than those who were at a healthy weight or just slightly overweight.  It apparently jumps significantly at that specific line of obesity.  They also say it increased with waist size.  Those with a waist of 40 inches or more had a 19% higher risk of gum disease than others.  So while gum disease may seem like a small concern as compared to some of the other risks of obesity, that is one that has been quite recently added to the listings in terms of reasons to stay at a healthier weight.