Relation of a Body Shape Index (ABSI) Versus other Anthropometric Traits to Adiposity and Cardiovascular Risks

The most prevalent and important clinical and public health problem worldwide is obesity. Central obesity which is characterized by excessive deposition of intra-abdominal fat is also found to be an important predictor of cardio metabolic risk. A Body Shape Index (ABSI) was developed as a predictor of mortality across age, sex, ethnicity and BMI categories in a population sample. The results indicated that ABSI had strong positive correlation with Waist Hip Ratio and strong negative correlation with BMI. Other indices like BMI, Waist Circumference and Waist Height Ratio had significant correlations with almost all other anthropometric tools when compared to ABSI. ABSI had weak correlations with cardiovascular risk factors when compared to other adiposity indices. A Body Shape Index, although included waist circumference and BMI in its formula, was not found to be a better predictor of adiposity and cardiovascular disease risk. Waist Circumference and Waist Height Ratio were better predictors of adiposity and cardiovascular disease risk when compared to ABSI.