Differences in Cardiometabolic Health, Body Composition, and Physical Performance Profiles Based on the Body Roundness Index Among First Responders.
Journal of occupational and environmental medicine · 2026-03-03 · Observational study
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize trends in body roundness index (BRI) among first responders and examine differences in health and fitness across BRI-based quartiles. METHODS: Archival data from 158 first responders-97 firefighters and 61 law enforcement officers (LEOs)-were analyzed. RESULTS: Differences were observed in body composition and physical performance parameters, with the first quartile (Q1) BRI group exhibiting the most favorable profiles. These differences remained after adjusting for age, especially compared with the Q4 group. Blood biomarkers showed minimal differences, with a trend toward lower fasting blood glucose in Q1. Firefighters showed poorer health indices but higher fitness than law enforcement officers, consistent with past research. CONCLUSIONS: BRI is a useful, potentially cost-effective tool for first responders to assess health and wellness annually and quarterly without clinical equipment.