The Relationship Between Neck Circumference and other Indices of Adiposity in A Healthy Nigerian Population

Abstract

Background: Neck circumference has been found to be a simple and cheap anthropometric measure that can identify overweight and obese persons.
Objective: The study was to determine the relationship of neck circumference (NC) to other indices of adiposity and to determine the NC cut offs for central obesity in Nigerians.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study, in which 133 healthy persons were studied. A questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements of height, weight, body mass index (BMI), NC, waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) following standard protocols. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to explore relationships between NC and other anthropometric variables. Central obesity was defined as waist circumference of = 88 cm in women and = 102 cm in men.
Results: Neck circumference showed a significantly positive correlation with WC, HC and BMI (r=0.62, 0.65, 0.66, each p<0.001). The correlation of NC with WC, HC and BMI was stronger in males compared to females. Neck circumference (NC) = 38cm in males and = 33cm in females were the best cutoff values for central obesity.
Conclusion: Neck circumference has a good correlation with other indices of adiposity and can be used as a rapid and simple screening measure for overweight and obesity. Persons with a NC of = 38cm in males and = 33cm in females among Nigerians need further evaluation for central obesity.

Key words: Neck circumference, relationship, adiposity, obesity, Nigerians