What is BRI? MDs explain

If the term body mass index (BMI) sends a shiver of fear down your spine, you’re not alone. The test – intended to measure a person’s body fat based on their height-to-weight ratio – has been used as an indicator of health since the 1970s. However, more recent research has shown that BMI is not only an inadequate measure of health, but also highly problematic, with initial studies almost exclusively among white men.

In the pursuit of a new and more accurate measure, the body roundness index (BRI) has entered the chat, with some splashy new research to back it up (more on that later). So what is BRI and is it really better than BMI? Experts say the answer is complicated. While BMI is calculated based on weight and height, BRI uses height and measurements such as waist circumference (no weight required). The theory is that this new equation serves as a more reliable predictor of health and mortality, but there are still some important caveats to consider. Read on to learn more about BRI, including whether it’s actually better than BMI – according to doctors.

Experts from this article:

Natasha BhuyanMD, is the vice president of internal health at One medical.

LaTasha Seliby PerkinsMD, is a family physician and assistant professor of medicine at Georgetown University.

What is BRI?

“BRI stands for body roundness index – a measurement that can predict health risks,” says Natasha Bhuyan, MD. BRI is a potential health indicator that can be determined using the formula: 364.2 − 365.5 × √(1 − (waist circumference / 2π)2 / (0.5 × height)2. You can use any unit of measurement (centimeters or inches), as long as it remains the same throughout the comparison the New York TimesBRI typically ranges from one to 15 (although this varies depending on the exact calculator you use) – although most people score between one and 10.

According to Dr. Bhuyan recently attracted BRI attention after a study published in the journal “Nutrition, obesity and exercisefound that those with a higher BRI had an increased risk of mortality. The same study found that the risk of mortality followed a U-shaped trend, increasing by 25 percent for participants with a BRI of less than 3.4, and by 49 percent for participants with a BRI of less than 3.4, and by 49 percent for participants with a higher BRI, people with a BRI of 6.9 and above. This study showed that people with a BRI between 4.5 and 5. 5 had no increased risk of mortality, making this the ideal BRI range.

How does BRI differ from BMI?

BRI uses different measurements than BMI, specifically excluding weight. “BMI only takes into account a person’s height and weight,” explains LaTasha Seliby Perkins, MD. BRI, on the other hand, uses height and waist circumference. “BRI takes weight out of the underlying calculation. Instead, the focus is on belly fat, which is linked to it conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure,” says Dr. Bhuyan.

Because of the way it is measured, BRI can also take into account differences in weight distribution, which can help determine certain health risks and conditions, adds Dr. Perkins (such as lipedema, which is often characterized by an increase in fat in the lower body).

Is BRI better than BMI?

In many ways, yes. “Because waist circumference and body fat distribution are part of the BRI, it is in some ways a better indicator of health risks than BMI,” says Dr. Perkins. “The mortality risks will be related to the fat distribution around your organs.”

We know that too BMI can be problematic when used as an indicator of health, as it tends to oversimplify important details. For example, a top athlete may have a higher BMI despite his extremely active lifestyle, due to increased muscle mass. “BMI has always been an imperfect measure of health. It does not take into account a person’s muscle mass, race or gender,” says Dr. Bhuyan, noting that BMI was determined based on the majority of European male populations. That said, BRI is not necessarily a perfect solution.

“While BRI is probably better than BMI, it is still not a comprehensive reflection of a person’s health,” says Dr. Bhuyan. For example, hormonal changes are not taken into account (which can increase belly fat), aging or environmental factors such as stress and stable housing, all of which have an effect on health. “Health is complicated – it involves our genetics, sleep patternsactivity, eating habits, stress, vital signs, social determinants of health and many other biomarkers,” says Dr. Bhuyan.

What you should take into account

Dr. Perkins notes that although she has started using BRI in her own practice, it is still a relatively new measure of health. “When it comes to measuring your health using indicators such as BRI and BMI, it is important that you discuss this with your GP,” she says. They can give you advice if you are unsure what is best for you.

Dr. Bhuyan also acknowledges that these types of readings may be too triggering for some. “We’re going from one body focus (weight) to another (waist),” she says, referring to the difference between BMI and BRI, respectively. “A holistic approach to health is certainly more complicated, but also more accurate,” says Dr. Bhuyan. Consider factors related to sleep, diet and stress, all of which can help us see the full picture when it comes to our health. “We want simple and crisp statistics about health – and (usually) it just doesn’t work that way,” she says.

Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has more than four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie and Bustle Digital Group.