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GeneralBody Adiposity Index

Body Adiposity Index Calculator

Estimate the original BAI anthropometric index from height and hip circumference.

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cm
cm

Estimated Body Adiposity Index

Anthropometric estimate; not a direct body-fat percentage or diagnosis

Normalized height: m · hip: cm

About

Body Adiposity Index (BAI) is an anthropometric equation developed from hip circumference and height. Although the original publication compared it with DXA body-fat percentage, later validation found substantial individual error; this page therefore reports an estimated index rather than a direct body-fat measurement.

Formula

BAI = hip circumference (cm) ÷ height (m)^1.5 − 18

Interpretation

What the result represents: The original Bergman height-and-hip anthropometric index.

Input units: Metric mode accepts height and hip circumference in centimeters. US mode accepts inches. Both are converted to meters and centimeters required by the equation.

Worked example: Height 170 cm and hip circumference 95 cm gives an estimated BAI of approximately 24.86.

Applicable population: Initially developed in adult Mexican-American and African-American cohorts. Performance differs across sex, ethnicity, age, adiposity, and body shape.

Interpretation limitations: BAI is not DXA, CT, MRI, BIA, or direct body-fat percentage. A systematic review found wide individual errors and limited agreement with DXA, so this result does not establish obesity or metabolic disease.

References

  1. Bergman RN, et al. A better index of body adiposity. Obesity. 2011;19:1083-1089.
  2. Cerqueira MS, et al. Validity of the Body Adiposity Index in predicting body fat in adults: a systematic review. Adv Nutr. 2018;9:617-624.

FAQ

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Disclaimer

Educational and informational reference only. Not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or independent verification.