The Role of Body Roundness Index in Predicting Cardiometabolic Health Outcomes Among First Responders

Authors

Audrey A. Loeffler, Texas A&M University - College StationFollow
John D. Tebbetts, Texas A&M University - College StationFollow
Benjamin P. Doyle, Texas A&M University - College StationFollow
Michael J. Conner, Bond University - Gold Coast, AustraliaFollow
Brian Newman, Fort Worth Fire Department - Fort WorthFollow
Lisa C. Colvin, Texas A&M University - College StationFollow
Steven E. Martin, Texas A&M University - College StationFollow
Drew E. Gonzalez, Sam Houston State University - HuntsvilleFollow

Abstract

The Body Roundness Index (BRI) has gained recognition over the past decade as a potential tool for evaluating overall health. However, this approach has not yet been implemented among first responder groups. PURPOSE: To assess whether BRI predicts cardiometabolic health outcomes among first responders. METHODS: Archival data for 170 first responders were analyzed. To calculate the BRI, we employed the following equation, which includes waist circumference (Wc) and height (Ht) in the following formula: BRI (364.2) – (365.5) x [square root [1 – ((Wc/2π)² / (Ht/2)²]. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between BRI and the following annual clinical testing parameters: (1) resting hemodynamics; (2) waist and hip circumference measurements; (3) dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); (4) blood lipids; and physical fitness (i.e., push-ups, cardiorespiratory exercise test [CPET] time-to-exhaustion [TTE], maximal oxygen uptake [VO₂max]). Both unstandardized (b) and standardized (β) coefficients were reported. RESULTS: The OLS regression analysis revealed BRI was positively predictive of the following: resting systolic (b=1.898; p <0.001) and diastolic (b=0.771; p=0.019) blood pressure, resting mean arteriole pressure (b=1.147; p <0.001), body mass (b=8.603; p<0.001), body fat percentage (b=2.887; p<0.001), fat mass (b=5.196; p<0.001), lean mass (b=3.739; p<0.001), android (b=4.185; p<0.001) and gynoid (b=1.837; p <. 0.001) body fat distribution, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (b=5.038; p=0.012), triglycerides (b=12.796; p=0.009), fasting plasma glucose (b=2.854; p<0.001), and hemoglobin-A1c (b=0.046; p=0.026). Further, BRI was inversely associated with CPET TTE (b=-0.653; p<0.001), VO₂max (b=-2.641; p<0.001), push-ups (b=-5.408; p<0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (b=-3.768; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The BRI showed a strong association with various markers of cardiometabolic risk and physical fitness in first responders. Elevated BRI scores were associated with increased body fat, less healthy blood lipid and glucose levels, and decreased aerobic and muscular capabilities. These results suggest that BRI could be a straightforward, economical screening method for identifying first responders at higher risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, highlighting its potential for use in occupational health assessments and preventive strategies.

Recommended Citation

Loeffler, Audrey A.; Tebbetts, John D.; Doyle, Benjamin P.; Conner, Michael J.; Newman, Brian; Colvin, Lisa C.; Martin, Steven E.; and Gonzalez, Drew E. (2026) "The Role of Body Roundness Index in Predicting Cardiometabolic Health Outcomes Among First Responders," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2: Iss. 18, Article 11.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/11