Development Of A Metabolic Syndrome Prediction Model Using Smartphone-Derived Digital Anthropometry

Authors

• Caleb F. Brandner, University of Iowa
• Grant M. Tinsley, Texas Tech University
• Abby T. Compton, The University of Southern Mississippi
• Sydney H. Swafford, The University of Southern Mississippi
• Molly F. Johnson, The University of Southern Mississippi
• Maria G. Kaylor, The University of Southern Mississippi
• Hunter Haynes, The University of Southern Mississippi
• Jon Stavres, Miami University
• Austin J. Graybeal, Texas Christian University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-28-2026

School

Kinesiology and Nutrition

Abstract

Integrating metabolic syndrome (MetS) screening procedures into routine care remains challenging. Traditional anthropometric and body composition assessments, while useful, have drawbacks that limit their application. However, automated anthropometrics produced from smartphone scanning applications may offer a solution. This study aimed to determine whether smartphone-derived anthropometrics could effectively predict both MetS and its severity. A total of 281 participants underwent a MetS screening assessment to determine fasting blood pressure, lipids, glucose and waist circumference and completed a smartphone scanning assessment (MeThreeSixty^®) to collect digital anthropometrics. Actual MetS classification and MetS severity (MetSindex), a continuous estimate of MetS progression, were determined using MetS screening data. Then, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was used to develop a new MetSindex prediction equation in a subset of participants (n 226), which was subsequently tested in the remaining participants (n 55), and MetS classification was predicted from the retained variables using logistic regression. The following equation was produced: Smartphone-predicted MetS index: -0·8880 + 0·1493(medication use = 1; 0 = no medication use) + 0·0089(weight) + 0·0079(bust circumf.) + 0·0140 (thigh circumf.) - 0·6247(appendage-to-trunk circumf. index), where medication use includes medications for hypertension, dyslipidaemia or hyperglycaemia. The newly developed MetSindex prediction model demonstrated equivalence with actual MetSindex and revealed acceptable agreement (R²:0·72; root mean squared error: 0·42; se of the estimate: 0·22) when evaluated in the testing sample (n 55), although proportional bias was observed (P < 0·001). Smartphone-predicted MetS classification demonstrated acceptable diagnostic performance with an accuracy of 92·7 % and an AUC of 0·89. Smartphone scanning applications can accurately assess MetS prevalence and severity, presenting new possibilities for health screening beyond clinical environments.

Publication Title

British Journal of Nutrition

Volume

135

Issue

2

First Page

232

Last Page

240

Recommended Citation

Brandner, C., Tinsley, G., Compton, A., Swafford, S., Johnson, M., Kaylor, M., Haynes, H., Stavres, J., Graybeal, A. (2026). Development Of A Metabolic Syndrome Prediction Model Using Smartphone-Derived Digital Anthropometry. British Journal of Nutrition, 135(2), 232-240.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/22006