What Your Neck Size Can Reveal About Your Health

Medical professionals have traditionally used measurements like body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratios to evaluate health risks associated with weight and body fat. However, recent research indicates that neck circumference is emerging as a significant indicator of potential health issues. While a large neck may initially suggest strength—common among athletes like boxers and rugby players—studies show that increased neck size relative to body size can be linked to serious health problems.

BMI calculates the ratio of weight to height and provides a broad picture of body fat, but it doesn't account for muscle mass or fat distribution. For instance, bodybuilders with high muscle mass may have a high BMI without being obese. Neck circumference, on the other hand, offers additional insights because it reflects fat accumulation in the upper body.

Research demonstrates that individuals with larger necks are at greater risk for conditions such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. The connection lies in the fat stored around the neck and upper body, which is associated with visceral fat—the dangerous fat that surrounds internal organs. Visceral fat releases fatty acids into the bloodstream that can disrupt cholesterol levels, blood sugar regulation, and heart rhythm.

A thicker neck has been linked to increased rates of cardiovascular diseases, including narrowing of the coronary arteries that restrict oxygen supply to the heart. Moreover, a larger neck size correlates with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, conditions that can lead to severe complications like vision loss and limb amputations.

Another significant concern is sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep due to airway obstruction, which has been associated with increased neck size. Sleep apnea results in daytime fatigue and elevates the risk of cardiovascular problems and accidents.

For men, a neck measurement of 17 inches (43 cm) or more, and for women, 14 inches (35.5 cm) or more, are considered risk thresholds. Notably, these risks apply even among individuals with a healthy BMI, emphasizing the importance of considering neck size as part of overall health assessment. Each additional centimeter beyond these thresholds adds to the risk of adverse health outcomes.

Measuring neck circumference is simple and quick: wrap a tape measure around the narrowest part of your neck, ensuring it is snug but not tight. This straightforward measurement can provide valuable information about your health that might be overlooked by traditional metrics. Monitoring neck size alongside other health indicators can aid in early detection and prevention of various cardiovascular and metabolic conditions.

Overall, paying attention to your neck size can be a vital component of understanding your health risks. Lifestyle changes such as regular cardiovascular exercise, weight training, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and ensuring adequate sleep can help reduce upper-body fat and improve overall health.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-neck-size-reveals-health.html