ABSI Calculator
Calculate A Body Shape Index.
Enter values to calculate your ABSI.
A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is a metric for assessing health risk based on body shape, developed as an alternative to the traditional Body Mass Index (BMI). Its primary advantage is that it incorporates waist circumference, a key indicator of abdominal obesity, which is a significant predictor of mortality risk.
The ABSI Formula
The formula for calculating the raw ABSI value is as follows:
ABSI = Waist Circumference / (BMI^(2/3) * Height^(1/2))
Where all measurements are in metric units (meters for height and waist, kilograms for weight to calculate BMI).
From ABSI to a Standardized Z-Score
While the raw ABSI value is useful, its interpretation can be difficult without context. To make it more meaningful, scientists developed the ABSI z-score. A z-score tells you how your ABSI value compares to the average for a person of your same age and gender.
ABSI z-score = (ABSI - ABSI_mean) / ABSI_std_dev
A z-score of 0 means your body shape risk is exactly average for your demographic. A positive z-score means your risk is higher than average, while a negative score means it's lower than average.
Interpreting Mortality Risk
The ABSI z-score is then used to classify premature mortality risk into five distinct levels. This calculator uses the established thresholds to provide a clear risk assessment:
| ABSI z-score | Premature Mortality Risk |
|---|---|
| < -0.868 | Very Low |
| -0.868 to -0.272 | Low |
| -0.272 to +0.229 | Average |
| +0.229 to +0.798 | High |
| > 0.798 | Very High |
The key takeaway is that a lower ABSI and a negative z-score are generally better for your long-term health.
Disclaimer: This calculator is an educational tool and is not a substitute for a comprehensive medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider for a complete assessment of your health risks and personalized advice.
A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is a metric for assessing health risk based on body shape, developed as an alternative to the traditional Body Mass Index (BMI). Its primary advantage is that it incorporates waist circumference, a key indicator of abdominal obesity, which is a significant predictor of mortality risk.
The ABSI Formula
The formula for calculating the raw ABSI value is as follows:
ABSI = Waist Circumference / (BMI^(2/3) * Height^(1/2))
Where all measurements are in metric units (meters for height and waist, kilograms for weight to calculate BMI).
From ABSI to a Standardized Z-Score
While the raw ABSI value is useful, its interpretation can be difficult without context. To make it more meaningful, scientists developed the ABSI z-score. A z-score tells you how your ABSI value compares to the average for a person of your same age and gender.
ABSI z-score = (ABSI - ABSI_mean) / ABSI_std_dev
A z-score of 0 means your body shape risk is exactly average for your demographic. A positive z-score means your risk is higher than average, while a negative score means it's lower than average.
Interpreting Mortality Risk
The ABSI z-score is then used to classify premature mortality risk into five distinct levels. This calculator uses the established thresholds to provide a clear risk assessment:
| ABSI z-score | Premature Mortality Risk |
|---|---|
| < -0.868 | Very Low |
| -0.868 to -0.272 | Low |
| -0.272 to +0.229 | Average |
| +0.229 to +0.798 | High |
| > 0.798 | Very High |
The key takeaway is that a lower ABSI and a negative z-score are generally better for your long-term health.
Disclaimer: This calculator is an educational tool and is not a substitute for a comprehensive medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider for a complete assessment of your health risks and personalized advice.