Why the size of your neck could reveal hidden risks to your heart health
What your neck size can tell you about your overall health
- Doctors are increasingly considering neck circumference relative to their body as a health indicator, moving beyond traditional measures like body mass index (BMI) and waist size to understand fat distribution.
- Research suggests that a larger neck size can predict various health markers, including cardiovascular risk, nutritional status, and even the likelihood of death.
- Studies, such as the long-running Framingham Heart Study, have linked thicker necks to an increased risk of conditions like diabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and atrial fibrillation (Afib).
- These associations remain significant even when accounting for BMI and waist measurements, indicating that neck size offers unique insights into potential health risks.
- A 2022 study found that men with a neck size of 17 inches or more and women with 14 inches or more faced a higher risk of developing Afib, with the association being strongest among individuals with obesity.