When it comes to assessing your risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions, most people think of familiar metrics like weight, blood pressure, or waist circumference. But a growing body of research suggests that another, less obvious measurement may offer valuable insight: neck size. In fact, a larger neck circumference could be an early warning sign of serious health issues, even in individuals with a healthy body mass index (BMI).

Recent studies have linked neck size to a range of health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and sleep disorders. This emerging evidence is prompting some healthcare professionals to consider neck circumference as a supplementary screening tool. One reason for this shift is the well-known limitations of BMI. While BMI is a widely used measure, it cannot distinguish between fat and muscle or indicate where fat is stored on the body. As researchers from Kingston University pointed out, a muscular athlete might have a high BMI without being overweight, which could lead to misleading health assessments.

Neck circumference, on the other hand, may offer a clearer picture of upper-body fat distribution, particularly visceral fat. This type of fat is stored deep within the body and is more metabolically active than fat stored in the lower body. That means it releases fatty acids, hormones, and inflammatory substances more readily into the bloodstream, potentially disrupting normal bodily functions and increasing the risk of chronic inflammation and insulin resistance. These disruptions can place additional stress on organs and elevate the likelihood of metabolic complications.

One key area where this insight proves particularly valuable is in the detection of type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that individuals with larger necks are more likely to develop this condition, as well as gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The correlation between neck size and diabetes risk appears to be independent of other factors like BMI or waist circumference, making it a noteworthy signal for clinicians and researchers alike.

Another condition closely associated with neck circumference is obstructive sleep apnea. This disorder, characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, has long been linked to thicker necks. In fact, neck measurements are often part of the diagnostic process for sleep apnea. The reason is straightforward: excess fat around the neck can narrow the airway, increasing the risk of collapse during sleep.

Perhaps more surprising is the connection between neck size and erectile dysfunction. One study found that men with larger necks were more likely to experience this condition than their counterparts with slimmer necks. While the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, the association adds to the growing list of health issues potentially signaled by neck circumference.

Cardiovascular health, however, may be where the implications of neck size are most significant. Multiple studies have linked a thick neck to key risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, and low levels of HDL cholesterol. In 2022, researchers went a step further by identifying a relationship between neck circumference and atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition marked by an irregular heartbeat that can lead to serious complications such as stroke, blood clots, and heart failure. Remarkably, this association held even after accounting for BMI, waist size, height, and weight, suggesting that neck size may be an independent risk factor—especially among individuals with obesity.

I found this detail striking, given the scale of the obesity epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two in five adults and one in five children and adolescents are classified as obese. In this context, a simple, accessible measurement like neck circumference could serve as a valuable tool in early risk detection and intervention.

Measuring your neck size is straightforward. Using a tape measure, wrap it around the narrowest part of your neck, ensuring it’s snug but not tight. While there is no universally accepted cutoff, a neck circumference over 17 inches for men and 15.5 inches for women is generally considered large. Still, experts caution that this measurement should not replace routine medical evaluations. Instead, it can complement other assessments and prompt further discussion with a healthcare provider.

Dr. Sarah Preis, an associate professor in biostatistics at Boston University’s School of Public Health, told Salon that neck circumference is not yet part of standard clinical practice. However, given its correlation with BMI and other risk factors, she suggested that individuals concerned about their neck size should consult with their primary care physician.

Fortunately, neck circumference is not a fixed trait. Lifestyle changes such as regular cardiovascular exercise and strength training can help reduce upper-body fat. Maintaining a balanced diet and prioritizing quality sleep also support a healthy metabolism and weight management, which in turn can positively impact neck size.

As researchers continue to explore the role of neck circumference in predicting chronic disease, this simple measurement may become a more common part of preventive healthcare. For now, it offers a compelling reminder that our bodies often carry subtle clues about our health—clues that, when recognized early, could lead to more informed choices and better outcomes.

Read more at nypost.com