Enhanced prediction of renal function decline by replacing waist circumference with “A Body Shape Index (ABSI)” in diagnosing metabolic syndrome: a retrospective cohort study in Japan

Background Abdominal obesity as a risk factor for diagnosing metabolic syndrome (MetS) is conventionally evaluated using waist circumference (WC), although WC does not necessarily reflect visceral adiposity. Objective To examine whether replacing WC with “A Body Shape Index (ABSI)”, an abdominal obesity index calculated by dividing WC by an allometric regression of weight and height, in MetS diagnosis is useful for predicting renal function decline. Subjects/Methods In total, 5438 Japanese urban residents (median age 48 years) who participated in a public health screening program for 4 consecutive years were enrolled. Systemic arterial stiffness was assessed by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). The predictability of the new-onset renal function decline (eGFR