Researchers have been exploring the relationship between body roundness index (BRI) and health, particularly focusing on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent study found that higher BRI trajectories were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular diseases are a major health concern worldwide, leading to millions of deaths each year. Doctors often assess factors such as diet and exercise to identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease and recommend appropriate interventions. However, the body mass index (BMI) has limitations in assessing health, as it does not consider body fat content and distribution, muscle mass, or other factors that may influence health. BRI takes into account waist circumference and height to reflect body fat proportion and may provide valuable information about an individual’s health risk.
Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, explained that BMI has flaws that limit its ability to accurately assess a person’s health status. BMI does not differentiate between fat and muscle mass, nor does it account for factors like body fat distribution, racial, ethnic, and sex differences. On the other hand, BRI considers waist circumference and height, providing a better reflection of fat distribution in the body. Increased abdominal fat, as indicated by a higher BRI, is a risk factor for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, BRI may be a useful tool in identifying individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease and prompting further investigation and intervention to reduce risk.
The study on BRI trajectories and cardiovascular disease risk involved middle-aged and older Chinese participants. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 10,000 participants, excluding those with existing cardiovascular disease or missing BRI data at baseline. Participants were categorized into low-stable, moderate-stable, and high-stable BRI trajectory groups based on their measurements over time. Individuals in the high-stable BRI group were more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and older age, indicating a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that participants in the moderate-stable and high-stable BRI trajectory groups had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to the low-stable group, even after adjusting for various factors.
Despite the findings, the study had limitations, including the focus on Chinese participants and the self-reporting of cardiovascular disease diagnoses by participants. The study authors acknowledge the need for more diverse populations and longer-term studies to confirm the results. Additionally, the small percentage of participants in the high-stable BRI group may have influenced the outcomes. Future research could address these limitations and explore other factors contributing to cardiovascular disease risk. Overall, the study suggests that prolonged increases in BRI may elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease and incorporating BRI into health assessments could help in prevention and management efforts.
