Calculate your ABSI to assess health risks related to body shape and fat distribution
For informational purposes only. This tool does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making health decisions.
A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is a metric developed in 2012 that combines waist circumference with BMI and height to better predict mortality risk. ABSI focuses on the health risks associated with central obesity (excess abdominal fat).
BMI doesn't tell you anything about fat distribution. Two people with the same BMI can have very different body shapes—one might have an "apple-shaped" body (fat concentrated around the waist) while another has a "pear-shaped" body (fat concentrated in the hips and thighs).
Research has shown that abdominal fat (measured by waist circumference) is more strongly linked to health risks than fat in other areas of the body. ABSI was developed to address this limitation of BMI by incorporating waist circumference relative to a person's height and BMI.
Studies have found that a higher ABSI correlates with increased mortality risk, even in people with normal BMI values. This makes it a valuable complementary measure to traditional body composition metrics.
It's very important to take an accurate waist measurement for calculating ABSI:
Use a flexible, non-stretchable measuring tape for the most accurate results.
ABSI is typically expressed as a z-score, which compares your value to the average for your age and sex:
The further your ABSI z-score is above zero, the higher your predicted health risk. Research has shown that an above-average ABSI is associated with substantially higher risk of premature death.
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Explore guide →A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is a relatively new metric that provides insights beyond what BMI can tell you. By considering your waist circumference in relation to your height and weight, ABSI helps assess the health risks associated with your body shape.
Several metrics are used to assess body composition and health risks:
For the most comprehensive assessment, consider using multiple metrics. For example, check your BMI, ABSI, and body fat percentage to get a more complete picture of your body composition and health risks.
ABSI was developed by researchers Nir Y. Krakauer and Jesse C. Krakauer in 2012. Their study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed data from over 14,000 adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004.
They found that ABSI was a better predictor of premature death than BMI or waist circumference alone. Specifically, they observed that:
Subsequent studies have confirmed these findings and shown that ABSI is particularly useful for identifying health risks in people with normal or overweight BMI.
Your ABSI z-score tells you how your ABSI compares to the average for people of your age and sex:
The further your z-score is from zero, the more your ABSI deviates from the average. Research suggests that each standard deviation increase in ABSI (approximately a z-score increase of 1) is associated with a 33% higher risk of premature death.
If your ABSI is high, you may want to focus on reducing your waist circumference. Here are some strategies that can help:
For more comprehensive health assessments, consider using our other calculators like the BMI Calculator, Body Fat Calculator, or Waist-to-Hip Ratio Calculator.
Learn why A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is a more accurate predictor of health risks than BMI, how it works, and what your score means for longevity.
Discover how waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) indicates health risks, proper measurement techniques, and what healthy ratios look like for men and women.
Learn what body fat percentage ranges are healthy for men and women, how body composition differs from BMI, and why it matters for your health goals.
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