A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that a high body roundness index (BRI) over a six-year period is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults over 45. This research highlights the importance of BRI, which measures abdominal fat and body shape, as a predictor of CVD risk.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, claiming nearly 20 million lives each year, according to the American Heart Association’s 2024 statistics. Obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, is a significant modifiable risk factor for CVD, with studies suggesting it poses a greater risk than general obesity.
The BRI combines waist circumference and height to reflect abdominal and visceral fat proportions, unlike body mass index (BMI), which only considers weight relative to height. Previous studies have indicated that BRI is an effective predictor of cardiovascular risk and may also help identify insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
In this study, researchers analyzed data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), focusing on participants aged 45 and older. They examined BRI measurements from 2011 to 2016, tracking changes over time rather than relying on a single measurement. Participants were grouped based on their BRI trajectories: low-stable, moderate-stable, and high-stable.
The findings revealed that higher BRI trajectories significantly correlate with increased CVD risk. Specifically, individuals in the moderate-stable group faced a 61% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to those in the low-stable group, while those in the high-stable group had a staggering 163% increased risk. This correlation persisted even after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, medical history, and medication use.
During the follow-up period from 2017 to 2020, there were 3,052 recorded cardiovascular events and 894 deaths attributed to CVD. The study noted that participants with moderate and high stable BRI levels had a significantly greater incidence of stroke and cardiac events.
Lead researcher Qian stated, “Our findings indicate that six years of moderate-to-high stable BRI appears to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.” This association can be linked to obesity-related conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes—all known risk factors for CVD. The study underscores the need for further research to explore how these findings can inform preventive strategies against cardiovascular disease.
The study involved over 9,935 adults from various regions in China, with an average age of 58 at the start. Participants were measured for waist circumference and height by trained medical staff during home visits. Follow-up assessments occurred every two years. Blood samples were collected at enrollment and again two years later to monitor health indicators like blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
While the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between BRI and cardiovascular health among older adults in China, it has limitations. The results may not be applicable to populations outside China due to cultural differences in health practices.
Additionally, the six-year follow-up may not be sufficient to capture long-term changes in BRI or accurately diagnose cardiovascular diseases based solely on participant reports rather than medical records.
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