A Body Shape Index (ABSI) Calculator

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Photo of calculator author Wes NolteCreated by Wes Nolte.Last updated Aug 23, 2024. References.

How to Use The ABSI Calculator

Step 1: Enter Your Inputs

Provide your age, gender, height, weight, and waist circumference. The calculator will then compute your ABSI Z-Score.

Step 2: View Your Results

The calculator will display your ABSI and ABSI Z-Score based on your inputs.

How to Interpret Your ABSI and ABSI Z-Scores

ABSI: Your ABSI value gives you an idea of your waist circumference relative to your height and weight. A higher ABSI suggests a higher waist circumference for your given height and weight, which is generally associated with higher health risks, particularly those related to cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders.

ABSI Z-Score: The ABSI Z-Score is a standardized score that shows how your ABSI compares to a reference population. Here's how to interpret your score:

  • ABSI Z-Score < 0: This means your waist circumference is smaller than average for your height and weight. A negative score is generally associated with a lower risk of health complications.
  • ABSI Z-Score ≈ 0: A score close to zero indicates that your waist circumference is average compared to others with the same height and weight. This suggests a moderate risk, which can be improved by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
  • ABSI Z-Score > 0: A positive score means your waist circumference is larger than average, which is associated with higher health risks. The higher the score, the greater the risk, and it may be beneficial to focus on reducing abdominal fat through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

What is ABSI?

A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is an anthropometric metric that reflects the distribution of body mass, focusing specifically on abdominal obesity. Unlike traditional metrics like BMI, which considers total body weight relative to height, ABSI incorporates waist circumference as a key factor, offering a more nuanced view of body shape and its associated health risks.

The ABSI z-score standardizes your ABSI against a reference population, allowing you to see how your body shape compares to others. A positive z-score indicates that your waist circumference is larger than average for your height and weight, which might be associated with higher health risks, while a negative z-score suggests a lower risk profile.

Key Inputs and Their Relevance

  1. Waist Circumference (WC): Represents the distribution of visceral fat, which is a critical factor in assessing metabolic health. Higher waist circumferences are linked with greater health risks, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
  2. Height (H): Provides a scale for the body’s overall size, helping to normalize waist circumference and weight.
  3. Weight (W): Indicates the total mass of the body, which combined with height, gives a basic idea of body composition.

Formulas Used

The formula to calculate ABSI is:

WCBMI23⋅Height12
Where:
  • WC = Waist Circumference (meters)
  • BMI = Body Mass Index (kg/m²)
  • Height = Height (meters)

The ABSI z-score is calculated as:

ABSI−μσ
Where:
  • μ = Mean ABSI of the reference population
  • σ = Standard deviation of ABSI in the reference population

What's the Difference Between BMI and ABSI?

While BMI (Body Mass Index) calculates a person's body fat based on their weight relative to their height, it doesn't consider how that fat is distributed across the body. ABSI, on the other hand, focuses on waist circumference, providing a measure that correlates more closely with abdominal fat and the associated risks. In essence, ABSI addresses the shortcomings of BMI by considering not just how much weight a person has, but where that weight is located.

How to Be Healthy According to ABSI

To maintain a healthy ABSI, focus on reducing abdominal fat, which is more dangerous than fat stored in other parts of the body. This can be achieved through a balanced diet rich in whole foods, regular physical activity, and managing stress levels. Since ABSI is closely linked to visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs, lifestyle changes that target belly fat are particularly effective. Regular check-ups and using tools like the ABSI calculator can help you monitor your health and make necessary adjustments.

References

  1. Krakauer, N.Y., & Krakauer, J.C. (2012). A New Body Shape Index Predicts Mortality Hazard Independently of Body Mass Index. PLOS ONE.
  2. Krakauer, N.Y., & Krakauer, J.C. (2014). Dynamic Association of Mortality Hazard with Body Shape. PLOS ONE.
  3. Omics International. (2014). Expansion of Waist Circumference in Medical Literature: Potential Clinical Application of A Body Shape Index.