Visceral Fat Calculator

Estimate visceral fat area (VAT, cm2) using age, sex, waist, proximal thigh, height, and weight.

ImperialMetric
Gender
Age
40
Height
5 ft 9 in
Weight
176 lbs
Waist Circumference
36.2 in
Proximal Thigh Circumference
22.0 in

Estimated Visceral Fat Area

139
cm2 VAT
Visceral Obesity

At or above the commonly cited 130 cm2 threshold.

BMI (used in model)
26.1
050100130170220300
LowModerateObesityHighVery High
Obesity

Visceral Fat Area Ranges

These are practical interpretation bands for estimated visceral fat area (VAT, cm2). Use this as a trend and screening signal, not a diagnosis.

RANGECATEGORY
0-80 cm2
Low
Lower estimated visceral fat area.
80-130 cm2
Moderate
Moderate estimated visceral fat area.
130-170 cm2
Visceral Obesity
At or above the commonly cited 130 cm2 visceral obesity threshold.
170-220 cm2
High
High estimated visceral fat area.
220+ cm2
Very High
Very high estimated visceral fat area.

What This Calculator Estimates

This tool estimates visceral fat area (VAT) in cm2 from anthropometric inputs. It is based on published regression equations that approximate CT-derived VAT from body measurements.

It is a practical risk-screening and trend tool. It does not replace imaging or clinical diagnosis.

Anthropometric Equation Used

The model uses age, waist circumference, proximal thigh circumference, and sex. For women, BMI is also included.

Women

VAT = (2.15 x waist) - (3.63 x proximal thigh) + (1.46 x age) + (6.22 x BMI) - 92.713

Men

VAT = (6 x waist) - (4.41 x proximal thigh) + (1.19 x age) - 213.65

Circumference inputs are interpreted in centimeters internally. VAT output is reported in cm2.

How To Measure Proximal Thigh

  • Stand upright with weight evenly distributed.
  • Measure the upper thigh near the gluteal fold on bare skin or thin clothing.
  • Keep the tape horizontal and snug without compressing tissue.
  • Take 2 to 3 readings and average them.

How To Use Your Result

In many studies, VAT above about 130 cm2 is used as a visceral-obesity threshold associated with higher cardiometabolic risk.

Use repeat measurements over time rather than one isolated score, and interpret alongside blood pressure, lipids, glucose, and clinician guidance.

For lean-mass context alongside VAT trends, compare results with the Lean Body Mass Calculator.

For a simpler waist-height roundness estimate, run the BRI Calculator. For a hip-height adiposity estimate, compare with the BAI Calculator.

For method context, see Common Body Fat Estimation Methods Explained and Why Body Fat Measurement Methods Give Different Results.

References

  • Samouda H, Ruiz-Castell M, et al. VAT prediction equations from anthropometric measurements and age in adults.PubMed record
  • Samouda H, et al. VAT equation with a 130 cm2 threshold for visceral obesity and cardiometabolic risk.PubMed record
  • Lewis CE, et al. Visceral adiposity and incident diabetes in adults.PubMed record