Definition

The Surface-based Body Shape Index (SBSI) was proposed by West Virginia University computer scientists Syed Ashiqur Rahman and Donald Adjeroh as an alternative to BMI.

The study examined data on 11,808 subjects from the National Health and Human Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 1999–2004.

Benefits

The study concluded that SBSI outperformed BMI, waist circumference, and A Body Shape Index (ABSI) as a predictor of all-cause mortality. 

However, the study did not specify the recommended healthy ranges for SBSI.

Research

• Surface-Based Body Shape Index and Its Relationship with All-Cause Mortality