Behavioral and dietary determinants of central adiposity assessed by ABSI in a mediterranean clinical sample.

ABSI captured body shape independently from BMI, with only a weak correlation between BMI and internal z-scored ABSI.

• Pearson correlation between BMI and internal z-scored ABSI (zABSI) was r = 0.113, P < 0.0001
• The weak but statistically significant correlation confirmed that ABSI captures body shape independently from BMI
• Study sample included 1640 adult patients attending follow-up visits at a Mediterranean diet-based nutrition clinic in Rome, Italy
• Cross-sectional study design with ABSI z-scores calculated and standardised by age and sex

ABSI strongly correlated with waist circumference.

• Pearson correlation between ABSI and waist circumference (WC) was r = 0.78, P < 0.001
• This strong correlation validated ABSI as a measure of central adiposity in this Mediterranean clinical population

Playing a sport was inversely associated with zABSI.

• β = –0.365, P < 0.001
• This association was identified through multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, sex, and BMI
• Physical activity participation was assessed via structured questionnaires

Nighttime eating was positively associated with higher ABSI values.

• β = 0.237, P = 0.001
• Association was identified through multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, sex, and BMI
• Nighttime eating behavior was collected via structured questionnaires

Snacking between meals was positively associated with higher ABSI values.

• β = 0.133, P = 0.014
• Association was identified through multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, sex, and BMI
• Snacking behavior was collected via structured questionnaires

Preference for sweet over salty foods was positively associated with higher ABSI values.

• β = 0.025, P = 0.010
• Association was identified through multivariable linear regression adjusted for age, sex, and BMI
• Dietary preferences were collected via structured questionnaires
• Weekly food intake was also assessed using 7-day food diaries