A Body Shape Index (ABSI) of Krakauer and Krakauer

Parameters:

(1) waist circumference in meters

(2) body mass index in kilograms per squared meter

(3) height in meters

ABSI =

= (waist circumference) / ((BMI ^ 0.66667) * ((height)^ 0.5))

where:

• 0.66667 is the digital expression for 2/3.

This can also be expressed as:

ABSI =

= (WC) * ((height)^(5/6)) / ((weight)^(2/3))

Interpretation:

• The 50th percentile for ABSI was 0.0809 in Figure 4.

• The relative death rate is increased when the ABSI is 0.09 or above.

Performance:

• The authors claim that the ABSI predicts mortality hazard independent of the body mass index. Since the ABSI is derived from the BMI it may not be independent.