19/11/2025
A large U.S. study found that the Body Roundness Index (BRI)—a measure of central/visceral fat—is a strong predictor of both overall and cardiovascular mortality in people with non-dialysis CKD.
Key takeaways:
➡️ Higher BRI = higher mortality risk, especially in younger adults and those with albuminuria
➡️ BMI showed the “obesity paradox”, proving once again it’s not a reliable marker of health
➡️ Waist circumference alone predicted only all-cause mortality
➡️ BRI outperformed BMI and WC, making it a more accurate tool for identifying harmful visceral fat
🧠 My recommendation as a nutritionist:
Most people obsess over body weight and BMI, but these numbers often miss the bigger picture. Body composition—how much muscle vs. fat you carry—is what truly matters for health.
That’s why I love BRI
✔️ It’s simple, free, and anyone can calculate it at home with just height and waist circumference
✔️ It gives a better sense of visceral fat, the type most linked to inflammation, heart disease, and metabolic risk
✔️ It shifts the focus away from the scale and toward meaningful change
A DXA scan is great, but it is not available for everyone.
For many middle-aged women and men, the goal shouldn’t be endless weight loss. Instead, body recomposition is key:
💪 Increase muscle mass
⬇️ Reduce fat mass
📉 And stop letting the scale dictate your progress.
Remember: A healthier body isn’t necessarily a lighter but a stronger one.
AbstractBackground. Body roundness index (BRI), an emerging anthropometric measure, has been shown to outperform body mass index (BMI) in predicting mortal