Experts are advocating for the use of the Body Roundness Index (BRI) over the traditional Body Mass Index (BMI) as a more accurate health metric, particularly for assessing visceral fat around vital organs. Unlike BMI, which only considers height and weight, BRI uses waist circumference to provide a better indication of health risks such as heart disease and cancer. Studies suggest that a BRI between 0.3 and 3 is healthy, but most adults in the UK exceed this range, indicating a national health concern.
The Body Roundness Index (BRI) is a new method for assessing body fat and health risks, offering a more accurate alternative to the traditional Body Mass Index (BMI). By using height and waist measurements, BRI can better predict the risk of obesity-related conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Studies have shown that a high BRI score correlates with increased mortality risk and likelihood of developing diseases such as bowel cancer. However, some experts argue that waist circumference remains a simple and effective measure of unhealthy fat.
A new study suggests that the Body Roundness Index (BRI), which includes waist circumference along with height and weight, may be a better measure of health risks than BMI. The study found that both very low and high levels of visceral fat are associated with higher rates of premature death. Adopting a Mediterranean diet, regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, and stress reduction can help manage visceral fat levels.