The Body Roundness Index (BRI) gauges your body shape using your height and waist measurement. It's a good indicator of belly fat and your risk of illness.
Unlike BMI (which uses only height and weight), BRI accounts for the fat in your midsection. BMI cannot tell the difference between muscle and fat. So while BMI is a good indicator of your body weight, BRI is a better indicator of your body fat.
A BRI value ranges from 1 to 15. The lower the BRI value, the leaner your body shape, the higher the value, the more fat you have around the middle.
What is Body Roundness Index?
BRI was developed in 2013 as a more reliable indicator of body fat compare to other indexes like BMI. The formula calculates how "round" your body is - specifically around your waist.
There is a significant correlation between BRI, percentage body fat (PBF) and visceral fat area (VFA). Higher BRI values are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
BRI Classification
| BRI Value | Classification | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| < 3.41 | Very Lean | Very Low |
| 3.41 - 4.45 | Lean | Low |
| 4.45 - 5.46 | Average | Average |
| 5.46 - 6.91 | Above Average | Increased |
| > 6.91 | High Roundness | High |
Why BRI Matters
BRI is a better indicator of health than BMI. BMI treats all weight the same, whether it's muscle or fat. BRI focuses on body shape and belly fat, which matter more for your health.
For a more complete picture, try our BMI calculator and waist-to-height ratio calculator as well.