What Is the Body Roundness Index
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The Body Roundness Index or BRI is a number calculated from your height and waist size. Unlike the usual Body Mass Index which uses only height and weight, BRI gives a better idea about how much fat is stored around your belly area. Belly fat, also called visceral fat, is more harmful to the heart compared to fat in other parts of the body. Because of this, BRI is gaining attention as a better way to predict heart problems.
Why Belly Fat Matters
Research has shown that people with more fat around their belly are at higher risk of heart disease, stroke and even early death. Visceral fat can raise inflammation in the body and disturb hormones that control blood pressure and blood sugar. These changes over time increase the chance of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which are major risk factors for heart disease.
What the Study Found
A large study from the China Kadoorie Biobank followed almost half a million adults for over ten years. None of them had heart disease at the start. The researchers divided participants into four groups based on their BRI. They found that people in the highest BRI group had a much greater chance of developing heart disease, heart failure or stroke compared to those in the lowest group. For example, the risk of heart disease was about 50 percent higher in the highest BRI group. Interestingly, the link between BRI and heart‑related deaths showed a U‑shaped pattern. This means both very low and very high BRI levels were linked with higher death risk.
How BRI Compares With BMI
BMI is still widely used but it does not tell us where the fat is stored. Two people can have the same BMI but one might carry more fat around the belly. The study showed that BRI is better at predicting heart problems than BMI, waist size alone or other traditional measures. This makes BRI a useful tool for doctors when checking heart health risks.
What You Can Do
Even without calculating your exact BRI, you can take steps to reduce harmful belly fat. Focus on eating more vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins while cutting down on sugary drinks and processed foods. Regular physical activity, like brisk walking for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, helps lower visceral fat. Keeping an eye on your waist measurement at home is also a simple way to track progress.
Why This Matters For You
This research shows that where you store fat matters just as much as how much you weigh. A healthy waist size can lower your risk of serious heart problems in the future. By paying attention to your lifestyle and making small changes, you can improve your BRI and protect your heart health.