The Body Mass Index (BMI) has been the traditional metric for evaluating obesity. However, a new metric called the Body Roundness Index (BRI) is gaining popularity as a potentially more accurate way to measure obesity and its health effects. While BMI uses a weight-to-height ratio to determine obesity, it does not differentiate between muscle and fat in various body parts, which can lead to inaccuracies, particularly when identifying harmful visceral fat around abdominal organs.
Dr. Zeena Al-Rufaie, a pediatrician and obesity expert, explains that BMI may not provide a comprehensive picture of body composition compared to the Body Roundness Index (BRI). The BRI focuses on waist circumference and height instead of weight, providing a more accurate measurement of visceral fat that is linked to various health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
While BRI is still relatively new and not widely used in clinical practice, it may offer advantages over BMI in assessing obesity and related health risks. Dr. Al-Rufaie suggests that both metrics should be considered as part of a broader health assessment rather than standalone diagnostic tools. If you are uncertain about your BMI results or want a more comprehensive evaluation, consult your healthcare provider about your body roundness index or waist circumference for better insight into your overall health status.
