A BODY SHAPE INDEX SHOWS STRONGER ASSOCIATION WITH FALLS THAN BMI IN OLDER ADULTS

Sep 28, 2026

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Falls are a major public health concern among older adults, often causing severe injuries, loss of independence, and increased mortality. This retrospective cohort study compared the association of A Body Shape Index (ABSI) versus Body Mass Index (BMI) with falls using NHATS data from 5,343 participants aged 65+. In adjusted models, ABSI related more strongly to any falls (OR 1.15) and multiple falls (OR 1.20) than BMI. Associations were stronger for those aged ≥80, with multiple chronic conditions, and select diseases, suggesting ABSI may better identify fall risk.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Study aim

Methods and population

Key results

Subgroup findings

Conclusions

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 1097 SESSION 8005 (POSTER) LATE BREAKING POSTER SESSION II Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3687 A BODY SHAPE INDEX SHOWS STRONGER ASSOCIATION WITH FALLS THAN BMI IN OLDER ADULTS Zhenxuan Ma1, and Indrakshi Roy2, 1. Indiana University at Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States, 2. Indiana University, Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, United States Falls are a major public health concern among older adults, frequently leading to severe injuries, loss of independence, and increased mortality. Identifying individuals at higher risk of falls is therefore a priority in geriatric care and preventive strategies. While Body Mass Index (BMI) has traditionally been used to assess body composition, it fails to account for fat distribution and central obesity, which critically influence postural stability and fall risk. A Body Shape Index (ABSI), a novel anthropometric measure incorporating waist circumference with height and weight, has been proposed as a more accurate indicator of abdominal adiposity. This study aimed to compare the association of ABSI versus BMI in relation to falls among older adults, utilizing data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) . This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 5,343 NHATS participants aged 65 years and older. In adjusted 1098 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 models, ABSI was associated with both any fall (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04–1.27, p = 0.009) and multiple falls (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03–1.39, p =0.018), while BMI showed weaker associations (any fall: OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.03, p =0.030; multiple falls: OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.995–1.03, p =0.158). Associations were stronger among adults ≥80 years, those with multiple chronic conditions (MCC), and in subgroups with specific diseases such as arthritis, hypertension, or diabetes. This study suggests ABSI may be a more sensitive measure than BMI for identifying fall risk and may provide added value for geriatric fall risk assessment.

FAQs

What was the study aim?

To compare how ABSI versus BMI is associated with falls among older adults.

How was the study conducted and who were the participants?

A retrospective cohort analysis used NHATS data for 5,343 participants aged 65 years and older.

Which measure showed stronger associations with falls?

ABSI showed stronger associations with both any falls and multiple falls than BMI in adjusted models.

Which groups had stronger associations?

Associations were stronger among adults aged ≥80, those with multiple chronic conditions, and subgroups with diseases such as arthritis, hypertension, or diabetes.

Sep 28, 2026

Upload by Aditya