A recent study utilizing 20 years of American health data has shed light on the potential effectiveness of the Body Roundness Index (BRI) as an alternative method for assessing health risk, offering valuable insights into the nation's obesity epidemic.

The study, which was based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018, analyzed the health and nutrition of Americans using the BRI, a body composition test first proposed in 2013. Unlike the commonly used Body Mass Index (BMI), the BRI takes into account additional anthropometric variables such as height, weight, waist circumference, and occasionally hip circumference.

A major finding of the study revealed a "U-shaped" curve in mortality risk associated with BRI scores. In other words, individuals with a BRI below or above the normal range were found to have a higher risk of death from any cause. Conversely, those within the normal range had the lowest risk. Specifically, individuals with a BRI below 3.4 had a 25% increased mortality risk compared to the normal range, while those with a BRI of 6.9 had a 49% increased risk.

The study also highlighted a steady increase in average BRI over the 20-year period, with the trend being more prominent among certain groups, including women, the elderly, and Mexican Americans. This upward trend in BRI scores further validates the ongoing issue of obesity prevalent in the United States.

Experts believe that the BRI offers a more accurate assessment of body composition and health risk compared to BMI. While BMI has been widely used for decades as a general health assessment tool, it has notable limitations, such as the inability to differentiate between muscle and fat. This means that individuals with varying body compositions can have the same BMI, leading to potential misinterpretation of their health status.

Beverly Tchang, MD, an endocrinologist and spokesperson for the Obesity Society, highlighted the importance of exploring alternative metrics of adiposity, given the known limitations of BMI. The BRI, focusing on central adiposity, which strongly correlates with metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, may provide valuable insights into an individual's health risks.

It is worth noting, however, that the BRI is still a novel technique that requires further validation. The study authors acknowledged this limitation in their paper, emphasizing the need for additional research to confirm the effectiveness of the BRI as a mainstream assessment tool.

Despite its potential benefits, some experts raise concerns about the future widespread use of the BRI due to its name. Tchang suggests that the term "roundness" may be potentially offensive, possibly hindering its adoption in medical practice.

While further research is needed to validate the effectiveness of the BRI, the study offers promising evidence that alternative body composition assessments beyond BMI may provide a more accurate understanding of health risks associated with obesity and chronic diseases. As the field of health monitoring continues to evolve, researchers and experts will remain vigilant in their pursuit of new and improved methods to assess individuals' health and well-being.