Superiority of the body roundness index over BMI in linking central adiposity with vitamin D3: A cross-sectional study in Iraqi adults

Abstract

Background: Body mass index is a poor measure of central adiposity. The Body Roundness Index may be a better measure, although data for Middle Eastern adults are limited. 

Objectives: To investigate the association of animal-fat consumption with adiposity indices as well as vitamin D3, and compare BRI with BMI as a marker of body fat in Iraqi adults. 

Methods: We used dietary questionnaires, anthropometry, and bioelectrical impedance to estimate visceral fat area and serum vitamin D3 in a cross-sectional study of 527 adults. Correlation and regression analyses were performed. 

Results: There was no association between animal-fat intake and the adiposity indices or vitamin D3. In contrast with BMI, BRI presented a quite strong inverse correlation with vitamin D3 (r = –0.497, p < 0.001). Visceral fat area was not predicted by any of the indices. 

Novelty explicit: In this adult sample from Iraq, BRI is more helpful than BMI for detecting central adiposity, which is associated with vitamin D3 insufficiency; as a result, BRI may be a better screening tool in a clinical and epidemiological context. 

Conclusion: BRI was a better indicator of metabolic risk associated with adiposity than BMI. In both clinical and epidemiological settings, it might be a beneficial screening tool for central adiposity and Vitamin D deficiency.

Keywords: Body Roundness Index; Vitamin D3; Visceral fat; Body Mass Index; Adiposity.