Utility of the Abdominometer: A Novel Contribution to Cardiovascular Anthropometry

Abstract

Obesity is a CVD risk factor that can be modulated for massive reduction in morbi-mortality. Traditional indices measuring it have been inconsistent and the most commonly used; BMI has proved inappropriate for Africans, not attending specifically to body fat and its distribution. With the consensus that intra-abdominal fat is the most critical for cardio-metabolic diseases, various attempts were made to measure it for risk estimation. These however require costly equipments not easily amenable for population studies. The abdominometer conceptualized by BNO has shown promise in isolated cases. This pilot study was undertaken in this restricted population to compare its utility with existing anthropometric measures of cardiovascular disease.