A Body Shape Index (ABSI)
Measure body shape. Understand your waist in context.
Your ABSI result
Population comparison (z-score)
NHANES 1999–2004 · Male · Age 40. Population comparison, not an individual risk prediction.
Published age- and sex-specific reference; no direct measurement of visceral fat.
Where to measure your waist
horizontal
normal exhalation
The ABSI reference uses the NHANES site: just above the upper border of the right hip bone (iliac crest). Do not substitute another waist site when comparing with these norms.
Frequently asked questions
What does ABSI measure?
ABSI adjusts waist circumference for height and BMI. It describes relative body shape, not a measured amount of visceral fat, and it cannot diagnose a disease or predict an individual’s lifespan.
How is the z-score calculated?
Subtract the reference mean for your age and sex from ABSI, then divide by the reference standard deviation. This page uses the smoothed values in Krakauer & Krakauer (2012), Table S1, from the US NHANES 1999–2004 cohort. Other populations may differ.
Does ABSI replace BMI?
No. ABSI complements BMI. Neither index separates muscle from fat or replaces a clinician’s assessment of symptoms, blood pressure, laboratory results and health history.
Who should use this estimate?
This educational calculator is for non-pregnant adults. Adult reference comparisons do not apply to children or pregnancy. The published age 85 row pools adults aged 85 and older; it is not a distinct reference for every older age.
Calculation & assumptions
Using waist 85 cm, height 170 cm and weight 70 kg: ABSI = 0.0779
Published research informs this educational estimate. Reference bands describe relative position, not validated diagnostic cutoffs or individual cardiovascular risk. Discuss concerns with a healthcare professional.
Sources & References
Krakauer & Krakauer (2012). PLOS ONE.
Table S1 · NHANES 1999–2004.
WHO expert consultation.
References inform calculation; no institutional endorsement. NHANES waist placement differs from the WHO midpoint protocol.
Measure body shape. Understand your waist in context.