The better marker for Obesity - The 'BRI'

Created on : #feb2025

Author: Dr. Om J Lakhani

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Corresponding notes for doctors : How does Body Roundness Index correlate with mortality risk ?
Corresponding mini-applications: Body Roundness Index Calculator

What is the Body Roundness Index (BRI)?

The Body Roundness Index (BRI) is a newer way to measure body shape and estimate body fat, especially the fat around your organs (called visceral fat). It was introduced in 2013 as an improvement over the traditional Body Mass Index (BMI), which only considers height and weight.

How is BRI Calculated?

To calculate your BRI, you need two measurements:

1. Waist circumference (measured around your belly)
2. Height

Both measurements should be in the same unit (e.g., centimeters). The formula uses these numbers to estimate your body fat and shape.

You can use this tool to calculate the BRI : Body Roundness Index Calculator

What Do BRI Scores Mean?

• Less than 3: Indicates a lean midsection.
• Around 5: Considered normal and healthy.
• 6.9 or higher: Suggests a rounder body shape and is linked to higher health risks, including a 49% increased risk of death.

Why is BRI Useful?

• It provides a better estimate of body fat and visceral fat compared to BMI.
• It helps identify obesity-related health risks more accurately.
• It’s a simple, non-invasive tool that can be used in clinics or public health settings.

Limitations of BRI

• BRI is still a relatively new measure, so there’s less research on it compared to BMI.
• It may not work as well for people with certain body types, potentially underestimating fat in some cases.
• It should be used alongside other health assessments, not as the only measure of health.

Practical Takeaway

The Body Roundness Index (BRI) is a helpful tool to assess body shape and health risks, especially for visceral fat. Doctors should consider using BRI along with BMI to get a clearer picture of obesity-related risks. If your BRI is 6.9 or higher, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about ways to improve your health.

Try It Yourself

You can calculate your BRI using this simple tool: Body Roundness Index Calculator.

Source:
Zhang X, Ma N, et al. Body Roundness Index and All-Cause Mortality Among US Adults. JAMA Network Open. 2024. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15051