Q: What is the A Body Shape Index (ABSI)?
A: The A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is a formula developed to estimate the risk of premature mortality based on waist circumference. It is designed to be approximately independent of height, weight, and BMI, making it a potentially better indicator of mortality risk related to excessive weight compared to the standard body mass index (BMI).
Q: What variables are used in the ABSI formula?
A: The ABSI formula includes five variables: sex, age, weight, height, and waist circumference. These variables are used to calculate the ABSI score.
Q: How is the ABSI score calculated?
A: The ABSI score is calculated using the following formula:
ABSI = (BMI^(2/3)) * (height^(1/2)) / waist circumference
To calculate the BMI, use the formula:
BMI = weight / (height^2)
Q: How is the ABSI z score calculated?
A: The ABSI z score is calculated based on the mean and standard deviation of ABSI for a specific age and sex group. The formula is as follows:
ABSI z score = (ABSI - ABSI mean) / ABSI SD
Q: What do the ABSI z score levels indicate?
A: The ABSI z score levels are categorized into five risk levels for premature mortality:
z score < -0.868: Very low risk
z score between -0.868 and -0.272: Low risk
z score between -0.272 and 0.229: Average risk
z score between 0.229 and 0.798: High risk
z score > 0.798: Very high risk
Higher ABSI z scores indicate a higher proportion of abdominal fat compared to other body parts, and they may indicate an increased risk of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Q: How to use the A Body Shape Index (ABSI) calculator?
A: To use the ABSI calculator, follow these steps:
Choose your sex.
Enter your age (between 2 and 85 years).
Enter your height (no need to worry about units as the calculator has a built-in converter).
Enter your weight (units conversion is handled by the calculator).
Input your waist circumference (measure horizontally around the waist, at the level of your belly button).
Click the calculate button to get your ABSI score, ABSI z score, and the interpretation of the result.
Q: What are the pros and cons of A Body Shape Index (ABSI)?
A: Pros of ABSI:
It correlates only slightly with height, weight, and BMI, indicating independence from other anthropometric variables in predicting mortality.
It can predict the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Cons of ABSI:
The risk calculated with the ABSI score is based solely on the body model and does not consider other factors that influence life expectancy, such as other illnesses.
It should be used in conjunction with other tools and health indicators for a more comprehensive risk assessment.
