Out with BMI, in with BRI… and why some health experts think it is a better indicator of one’s health status

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — For the longest time, the Body Mass Index (BMI) has been the go-to for evaluating body fat and health.

However, while it’s easy to calculate and widely recognised, BMI has its fair share of limitations especially when used on those who are short or have a high muscle mass.

This is where the Body Roundness Index (BRI) comes into play as it is said to be a better alternative that enhances the understanding of body shape and its impact on health.

What’s the difference between BMI and BRI?

Unlike BMI, which merely considers weight and height, BRI digs deeper by looking at how fat is distributed across the body which gives a more accurate picture of a person’s body shape.

So, how does it work? BRI uses a formula that takes into account both body circumference and height, resulting in a number that reflects the body’s roundness.

This approach also looks at visceral fat (fat that wraps around the internal organs) as well as overall body fat percentage.

Why does body shape matter?

Studies have shown that individuals with an “apple-shaped” body where fat is primarily stored around the abdomen are at a higher risk for health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

On the flip side, those with a “pear-shaped” body, where fat is more concentrated around the hips and thighs, tend to have fewer complications.

BRI shines in capturing these nuances as it is not just about how much fat you have but where it’s located that can make a significant difference to your health.

Consider this: someone with a normal BMI may actually have high body fat and low muscle mass, while another person with a higher BMI might be quite muscular.

Since muscle weighs more than fat, two individuals of the same height and weight can look very different.

Research also suggests that individuals with lower BRI scores, particularly those over 65, face a significantly higher risk of death from any cause.

This indicates that a low BRI could be linked to issues like malnutrition, muscle loss, fatigue, and reduced activity tolerance, all of which can signal declining health.

Check your BRI here.

Could BRI take over from BMI?

Though research indicates that BRI could be a more reliable measure of health than BMI, it is unlikely to replace it as the standard any time soon.

BMI remains popular because it is quick and easy to calculate during routine check-ups, whether at home or at a doctor’s office.

Assessing body fat distribution may offer more accuracy but can be time-consuming and expensive, making it less practical for everyday use.

As reported by The Straits Times, Dr Tan Hong Chang, a senior consultant in the endocrinology department at Singapore General Hospital, said that an individual’s weight or body fat level is only a major concern when it results in health problems associated with obesity.

For effective health management, he said no single measurement should be evaluated in isolation.

He also emphasised that BMI, BRI, or any body measurement cannot distinguish between muscle and body fat.

“Athletes may weigh more due to increased muscle mass. They might have a high BMI but normal waist circumference and BRI.

“Waist circumference will reflect excessive body fat better than weight measurement alone. Most adults gain weight because they gain more fat, and the waist circumference also increases,” he was quoted as saying.