ABSI Calculator
(Relative to your age group)
What is ABSI? (The "New BMI")
For decades, the BMI (Body Mass Index) has been the standard for health screening. However, BMI is flawed: it treats muscle and fat exactly the same. A bodybuilder and an obese person can have the same BMI.
In 2012, researchers Nir and Jesse Krakauer introduced a new metric: A Body Shape Index (ABSI).
ABSI improves on BMI by including Waist Circumference in the equation. This is crucial because abdominal fat (visceral fat) is significantly more dangerous than fat stored on the hips or legs.
The ABSI Formula
The math behind ABSI normalizes your waist circumference against your weight and height.
If your ABSI is higher than average, it means your waist is larger than expected for your weight, indicating higher visceral fat and higher mortality risk.
Understanding Your Risk Score (Z-Score)
Because ABSI changes with age and gender, a raw score (like 0.082) doesn't tell you much. That is why our calculator converts it into a Z-Score (Risk Level).
The Z-Score compares you to the average person of your age and sex.
| Z-Score | Risk Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| < -0.8 | Very Low | You are healthier than average. |
| -0.8 to 0.2 | Low | Lower risk than the general population. |
| 0.2 to 0.8 | Average | Standard risk level. |
| 0.8 to 1.8 | High | Your waist size indicates metabolic risk. |
| > 1.8 | Very High | Significantly elevated risk of premature mortality. |
The "Skinny Fat" Detector
One of the most powerful uses of ABSI is detecting "Skinny Fat" individuals (Normal Weight Obesity).
You might have a "Healthy" BMI of 22, but if you have low muscle mass and a protruding belly, your ABSI score will flag you as High Risk. This alerts you to potential issues like insulin resistance or heart disease that a standard scale would miss.
ABSI vs. Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Both tools measure fat distribution, but they are slightly different.
- Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR): Compares waist to hips. Great for body shape (Apple vs. Pear).
- ABSI: Compares waist to total body mass. Better for pure mortality risk prediction.