BRI or BMI, the better parameter to measure your body composition?

For decades, dietitians and nutritionists have prescribed meal plans and weight-loss diets based on our body mass index (BMI). However, there’s buzz about a new parameter that outperforms BMI – body roundness index (BRI). Indianexpress.com spoke to Dr Monica Goel, consultant physician at P D Hinduja Hospital and MRC, Mahim, Mumbai, to learn more about this anthropometric index.

What’s a body roundness index (BRI)?

“The body roundness index is a parameter that essentially helps to assess the visceral fat and adipose tissue present in the body. The formula for this index is: 364.2 − 365.5 × √(1 − [waist circumference in centimeters / 2π]2 / [0.5 × height in meters]2),” shared Goel.

Goel also said that by finding out the BRI, it becomes easier to reduce the risk of mortality and complications from non-communicable and multifactorial causes. (Source: Freepik)

Why is it said to be better than BMI?

“BRI is said to be a better risk predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which estimates the decade-long risk of potential cardiovascular problems, primarily a heart attack or a stroke,” said Goel.

While BMI only considers height and weight to measure body fat percentage, BRI also includes hip and waist measurements, apparently providing a more accurate reflection of body fat percentage.

Goel emphasised that doctors can guide people to alter their lifestyle to maintain a healthy BRI. “This becomes especially important for individuals with comorbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or ischemic heart disease (IHD), generally characterised by myocardial ischemia, a condition where there is decreased oxygen supply to the heart,” she said.

Goel also said that by finding out the BRI, it becomes easier to reduce the risk of mortality and complications from non-communicable and multifactorial causes.

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