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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jabed Ahmed

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.

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