A Better Measurement than BMI

I think we all know the fallacies of BMI: it doesn't take into account frame size or muscular mass so it gives a skewed result when someone has larger amounts of lean muscle mass.  It was originally developed by insurance companies to categorize people for disease risk, and in my opinion, that isn't where these measurements come from.  Unfortunately, many health organizations still use it, simply for the fact that an easier calculation doesn't exist.  Most often times, however, when BMI is used outside of the insurance industry, it takes the weight of a grain of salt.  Still, there needs to be a better, and still quick measurement to give people an accurate estimation of disease risk.

That's where the ABSI comes in.  Developed recently and published on PLoS ONE, the calculation looks like this:

ABSI = (Waist Circumference) / ( (BMI)^(2/3) (Height)^(1/2) )

Sorry about the poor representation of the formula, it's easier to understand by following the link.  Here's an online calculator.  Basically, the formula is a beefed up version of BMI, but takes waist circumference into account.  Waist circumference helps the formula take into account visceral fat (note the waist to hip ratio) - aiding in the prediction of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other mortality risks.

 This is still a very new measurement, so it still needs to undergo the rigorous tests of the scientific community before it gets the seal of approval, but it does hold some promise.  I'll keep an eye on this one to see how it trends.