New screening method shows promise over BMI in predicting obesity and related health risks
Recent research suggests that the Body Roundness Index (BRI), a novel measurement tool, may offer a more precise assessment of obesity and its risks than the traditional Body Mass Index (BMI). Unlike BMI, which uses weight and height to estimate body fat, BRI utilizes waist circumference and height to predict overall body and visceral fat.
A study published in June 2024 in Jama Network Open analyzed data from 33,000 individuals over 20 years and discovered that a higher BRI is linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and even cancer. Abdominal fat, particularly visceral fat, is a significant indicator of these health risks.
For years, BMI has been the standard for categorizing individuals as underweight, overweight, obese, or extremely obese, often guiding health assessments. However, BMI has been criticized for failing to account for variations in muscle mass, fat percentage, and differences in body composition based on race and gender.
The BRI, developed in 2013 in the United States, aims to address these shortcomings. It measures a person’s waistline, which is more reflective of abdominal fat, a major contributor to health risks. Individuals with higher BRI scores, especially those with a score of 6.9 or more, face nearly double the risk of early death compared to those with lower scores.
Experts emphasize that while BMI remains a useful general guideline, it does not differentiate between fat and muscle. As a result, athletes or individuals with higher muscle mass may be misclassified as obese based on their BMI.
While BRI shows promise, particularly in evaluating abdominal fat, more research is needed, particularly in diverse populations like Asians. Current data on BRI in non-Caucasian groups is limited. Singapore’s obesity rates are on the rise, and as this health issue becomes more prevalent, experts suggest integrating BRI with other measurements for a more comprehensive health assessment.
The ongoing obesity epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region and the US has led to an increased focus on more accurate ways to assess obesity. Medical professionals are now turning to alternative tools like BRI, though BMI still remains the default. With new treatments, including drugs and surgical interventions, gaining attention, there is hope that a more accurate measure of obesity could lead to better health outcomes.
For now, healthcare providers recommend using multiple measures to assess metabolic health, taking into account factors like waist circumference, BMI, and BRI. The combination of these indicators may provide a clearer picture of a person’s overall health and help in managing obesity-related risks.
