The Body Mass Index (BMI) has been a standard for decades when it comes to assessing body weight in relation to height. However, more and more experts are criticizing the BMI as inadequate and inaccurate. A promising alternative is the Body Roundness Index (BRI), which takes into account not only weight, but also body shape and fat distribution. In this article you will learn all about the BRI, how it is calculated and why it could be a more accurate method of assessing health.
What is the BRI?
The BRI, short for Body Roundness Index, is a new method of assessing a person’s state of health. In contrast to the BMI, the BRI takes into account not only body weight and height, but also body shape and circumference. It therefore offers a more precise assessment of body fat and the associated health risks.
How does the BRI differ from the BMI?
The BMI is based on a simple formula: Body weight (in kilograms) divided by height (in meters) squared. The BRI, on the other hand, uses additional measures such as waist circumference and hip proportions to provide a more comprehensive picture of the body. This makes it particularly valuable for assessing fat distribution, which is a key factor in the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health problems.
How is the Body Roundness Index calculated?
The BRI is calculated using a mathematical formula that relates waist circumference and body height. These parameters are used to evaluate body shape in the form of a geometric roundness. Unlike the BMI, which only provides a number, the BRI can quantify both fat distribution and total body fat more accurately.
Why is the Body Roundness Index more accurate than the BMI?
The BMI does not take into account differences in muscle mass, fat percentage or body shape. For example, a muscular athlete can have a high BMI even though they have little body fat. The BRI, on the other hand, offers a more differentiated view by taking into account the distribution of body fat and the roundness of the body. This is particularly important as excess fat in the abdominal region poses a higher health risk than fat in other areas of the body.
Who is it suitable for?
The BRI is suitable for anyone who wants a more accurate assessment of their body composition and health status. It can be particularly helpful for:
- People with a high BMI: To determine whether the high weight is due to fat or muscle mass.
- People with a normal BMI: To recognize possible health risks due to abdominal fat.
- Doctors and nutritionists: As a complementary tool for assessing the health risks of their patients.
Health risks and the BRI
What does the index show about fat distribution?
The distribution of fat in the body plays a decisive role in the risk of certain diseases. Abdominal fat, also known as visceral fat, is directly linked to an increased risk of:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Fatty liver
The BRI helps to identify these risks at an early stage by analyzing the fat distribution more precisely.
How can it help with prevention?
By regularly checking their BRI, people at risk can take targeted measures to improve their health. These measures can include dietary changes, targeted exercise or medical treatments.
BRI in practice: What does its value mean?
The BRI is interpreted in categories similar to the BMI. A lower BRI indicates a slimmer body shape, while a higher value indicates a greater accumulation of fat. Unlike the BMI, however, the BRI can also make specific statements about fat distribution, which makes it a more versatile tool.
Can the BRI also be used for children and adolescents?
Yes, the BRI can be adapted to the age group. This is particularly useful as overweight and obesity are increasingly a problem in children. Analyzing fat distribution can help to take early action to reduce the risk of later health problems.
LipoLas laser and the BRI: a modern concept
For people struggling with excess body fat, the LipoLas laser offers an innovative method of fat reduction. Especially in combination with the BRI, the LipoLas laser can be used specifically in the areas identified as problematic by the BRI.
How does the LipoLas laser work?
The LipoLas laser works with modern laser energy that dissolves fat cells and tightens the skin at the same time. This makes it an ideal addition for people who want to treat smaller fat deposits without invasive procedures. The combination of fat reduction and skin tightening is particularly effective for the abdominal region, which is often classified as a risk area by the BRI.
The advantages of the LipoLas laser in conjunction with the BRI
- Targeted fat reduction: The BRI helps to identify the problem areas that can be treated with the LipoLas laser.
- Minimal downtime: The treatment is non-invasive and does not require long recovery periods.
- Skin tightening: In addition to fat reduction, the skin is tightened, which leads to a more aesthetic result.
Conclusion: BRI and modern approaches to health assessment
The BRI is a valuable tool that overcomes the limitations of traditional BMI and enables a more accurate assessment of body fat and health risks. In combination with innovative treatments such as the LipoLas laser, the BRI opens up new possibilities for the prevention and treatment of obesity and fat distribution. Use the BRI to better understand your health and take targeted action!
