SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Body roundness index as a tool for promoting healthy ageing

17.01.2025

The Body Roundness Index (BRI) has a U-shaped relationship with all-cause mortality, with both very low and high BRI linked to higher death risk. BRI, which reflects visceral fat more accurately than BMI, may serve as a valuable, non-invasive tool for assessing health risks, aiding longevity-focused strategies.

June 2024 – JAMA Network

 

Key takeaways

 

  • Visceral fat distribution is critical for health risk assessment: Unlike BMI, which only measures overall body weight in relation to height, the Body Roundness Index (BRI) provides a more precise understanding of visceral fat. This type of fat is strongly associated with conditions like cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders, making it an essential measure for longevity and healthy ageing
  • Moderation is key in body composition for optimal healthspan: Both very low and very high BRI levels are linked to an increased risk of mortality. This highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced body composition, as extremes can lead to issues such as malnutrition, muscle loss, or excess fat contributing to chronic health problems
  • Ageing populations face unique risks with body composition changes: Older individuals, particularly those over 65, showed a marked association between higher BRI and mortality. This highlights the need for targeted strategies to address visceral fat accumulation and its impacts, such as reduced mobility and heightened disease susceptibility in older age groups

 

The BRI’s ability to reflect visceral fat distribution makes it a valuable tool for screening and risk assessment. It could be integrated into public health initiatives to identify individuals at higher risk, allowing for earlier intervention and personalised longevity strategies.

 

Read the article at: Zhang, Xiaoqian, et al. “Body Roundness Index and All-Cause Mortality Among US Adults.” JAMA Network Open, vol. 7, no. 6, 2024, doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15051.

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