Bite-force difference among obese adolescents in central Taiwan

Area of Science:

• Adolescent health
• Human physiology
• Obesity research

Background:

• Maximal bite force is crucial for efficient chewing and digestion.
• Masticatory muscle health influences bite force.
• Obesity's effect on adolescent bite force and gender differences remains under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how obesity affects maximal bite force in adolescents.
• To explore gender-specific differences in the relationship between obesity and bite force.
• To examine the influence of testosterone levels and body mass index (BMI) on bite force.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 577 adolescents (aged 13-16) in central Taiwan.
• Measurements included maximal bite force, hand strength, triceps skin-fold fat thickness, serum testosterone, and BMI.
• Dental health assessed via malocclusion and dental caries prevalence.

Main Results:

• Obese girls exhibited the highest bite force (32.49 ± 19.13 kg).
• Obese boys had lower bite force (33.21 ± 17.12 kg) compared to overweight boys (41.89 ± 19.3 kg).
• Obesity prevalence was higher in boys (14.39%) than girls (7.88%); testosterone levels correlated positively with BMI in girls and negatively in boys.

Conclusions:

• Maximal bite force decreased in obese adolescent boys but increased in obese adolescent girls.
• This gender-specific response may be attributed to testosterone sensitivity modulated by body fat levels.