Your waistline might not be the only aspect of your body to monitor for health reasons.
Understanding what constitutes being healthy is continuously evolving, and it is crucial for everyone to maintain good health.
Recent research suggests the thickness of one’s neck may be an important indicator of future health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
Interestingly, a thick neck might indicate potential health problems later on, even for those with a normal BMI.
Dr Ahmed Elbediwy and Dr Nadine Wehida have discussed this matter in an article for The Conversation.
They stated: “A competitive bodybuilder might have a high BMI, but clearly isn’t obese.”
This is largely due to the limitations of BMI (Body Mass Index). It fails to differentiate between muscle and fat and does not indicate fat distribution on the body.
The experts highlighted that neck circumference could provide additional insights, serving as a better indicator of excess visceral fat in the upper body.
This type of fat is particularly concerning because it is more metabolically active than fat stored in the lower body, releasing fatty acids, hormones, and inflammatory substances more readily into the bloodstream.
Such releases can lead to complications such as disrupted bodily functions, chronic inflammation, and increased insulin resistance — all of which can strain organs and heighten the risk of serious health issues.
Research has linked a larger neck circumference to an elevated risk of metabolic disorders, including type 2 and gestational diabetes.
According to a New York Post article, several studies have shown strong connections between neck circumference and major risk factors for heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, and low levels of HDL (or ‘good’ cholesterol).
Nevertheless, researchers advise that neck size should complement, not replace, regular health evaluations. It should be viewed as an additional tool for understanding one’s health.
While there is no official agreement, a large neck circumference is typically considered to be over 17 inches for men and 15.5 inches for women.
If curious, use a tape measure to check your neck size.