(HealthDay News) — A higher body roundness index (BRI) trajectory is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a study published online Sept. 25 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Man Yang, M.D., from The Affiliated Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Nanjing Medical University in China, and colleagues examined the association of BRI trajectories with CVD among 9,935 middle-aged and older Chinese people in a longitudinal cohort. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify BRI trajectories.
Participants were classified into low-stable, moderate-stable, and high-stable BRI trajectories, accounting for 49.81, 42.35, and 7.84 percent of the study population, respectively. The researchers found that participants in the moderate-stable and high-stable BRI trajectory groups had an increased risk for CVD compared with participants in the low-stable trajectory group, with multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of 1.22 and 1.55, respectively. CVD risk reclassification was improved by simultaneously adding the BRI trajectory to the conventional risk model.
“The longitudinal trajectory of the BRI could be used as a novel indicator of CVD risk, providing a new possibility for CVD prevention,” the authors write.
What is BRI (Body Roundness Index)?
The Body Mass Index (BMI), a widely used metric to assess body fat and health risk, has faced increasing scrutiny for its limitations, particularly when applied to diverse populations. In recent years, the Body Roundness Index (BRI) has emerged as a potential alternative, offering a more accurate and inclusive health assessment.
The BRI, developed by researchers at the University of Nottingham, calculates body shape based on height, weight, and hip circumference. Unlike the BMI, which primarily considers height and weight, the BRI incorporates body fat distribution, recognizing that individuals with similar BMI values can have significantly different body compositions and health risks. For example, two individuals with the same BMI might have vastly different levels of visceral fat, a type of fat stored deep within the abdomen and linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
What does BRI measure?
The BRI provides a more nuanced understanding of body shape by accounting for hip circumference. Individuals with a larger hip-to-waist ratio, often associated with a more apple-shaped figure, tend to have higher visceral fat levels. The BRI can help identify these individuals at increased risk for health problems, even if their BMI suggests a healthy weight. Conversely, individuals with a smaller hip-to-waist ratio, often associated with a more pear-shaped figure, tend to have lower visceral fat levels and may be at lower risk for health complications.
Studies have consistently demonstrated the superior accuracy of the BRI compared to the BMI in predicting health risks. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that the BRI was more strongly associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, than the BMI. Additionally, research has shown that the BRI is less likely to misclassify individuals from diverse populations as overweight or obese. The BMI has been criticized for disproportionately labeling individuals from certain racial and ethnic groups as overweight or obese, even when they have healthy body compositions.
How does BRI affect the Black community?
The BRI has particular relevance for the Black American population. Historically, the BMI has been criticized for underestimating body fat in individuals of African descent, leading to misdiagnosis and potentially harmful health interventions. The BRI, by incorporating hip circumference, may provide a more accurate assessment of body fat and health risks in Black Americans. However, further research is needed to fully understand the implications of the BRI for this population.
While the BRI offers a promising alternative to the BMI, it is important to note that it is not a perfect measure. The BRI, like the BMI, does not directly measure body fat percentage, which is a more accurate indicator of health. Additionally, the BRI may not be as sensitive to changes in body composition over time as other methods, such as bioelectrical impedance analysis.
In conclusion, the Body Roundness Index represents a significant advancement in the assessment of body shape and health risk. By incorporating hip circumference, the BRI provides a more accurate and inclusive measure of body composition than the BMI. While further research is needed to fully understand the implications of the BRI for diverse populations, it offers a promising tool for healthcare providers and individuals seeking to improve their health.