Evaluation of the Association Between Body Mass Index and Facial Anthropometric Measurements: A Cross-Sectional Study

There are notable differences in facial morphology between obese individuals and those of normal weight. A person's body mass index (BMI) is a key factor, affecting the thickness of facial soft tissues.

This study aims to examine the association between BMI and facial anthropometric measurements.

This prospective, observational (cross-sectional) study was conducted among undergraduate dental students at the Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences (PGIDS), Rohtak, who were originally from Haryana. Subjects with a history of trauma and congenital or chronic diseases affecting craniofacial morphology, facial surgeries, facial deformities, orthodontic treatment, or systemic diseases such as hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism or diabetes that could influence BMI were excluded.

BMI (ratio of body weight to the square of standing height) served as the predictor, and participants were categorized into four groups: underweight (BMI <18.5), normal (BMI = 18.5 to 22.9), overweight (BMI = 23 to 24.9), and obese (BMI ≥25).

Measurements for 12 facial anthropometric parameters were obtained using a digital vernier caliper.

The covariates were sex and age.

One-way analysis of variance, general linear model, and independent sample t test were utilized for statistical analysis. The significance criterion was P < .01.

Among the 202 subjects included, 137 (67.8%) were female, and 65 (32.2%) were male. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 30 years, with a mean age of 21.59 ± 1.82 years. Statistically significant differences were observed in face width (P < .001), lower facial width (P < .001), nose width (P < .001), and lower third face height (P = .002) across BMI categories. The mean BMI showed a statistically significant difference regarding sex; however, this difference was not significant concerning age (≤20 years vs >20 years). There was a statistically significant relationship between sex and the studied facial anthropometric parameters, except for nose length, face height (middle third), and facial index. Subjects ≤20 years versus >20 years showed a statistically significant difference in outercanthal distance, nose length, and mouth width.

The study results suggest that BMI is associated with facial anthropometric measurements; therefore, it may be important to adjust anthropometric measures for BMI when planning orthodontic treatment, esthetic surgeries, and facial reconstruction.