Neck Circumference as a Novel Measure of Central Obesity in Young Adults: Correlation with other Anthropometric Indices Nowreen Nida1,*, Kour Manmeet2 1Lecture, Department of Physiology, G.M.C. Srinagar, J&K, India 2Lecture, Department of Anatomy, G.M.C. Srinagar, J&K, India *Corresponding Author: Dr Nida Nowreen, Lecture, Department of Physiology, G. M. C. Srinagar, J&K, India, e-mail: nowreen.n3@gmail.com
Online published on 21 November, 2019. Abstract Background Obesity is an important yet the most neglected public health problem that has assumed epidemic proportions even in developing countries. Many simple anthropometric indices, including the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) are being widely used as markers to reflect obesity. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the utility of neck circumference (NC) in identifying people with obesity. This new index of upper body adiposity is quite easy to determine, does not require much body exposure, and is believed to correlate with other obesity indices. Objectives This study was undertaken with the purpose to find out the relationship of neck circumference (NC) with other anthropometrical indices. Materials and Method This cross sectional study was carried out over a period of six months among 192 medical students. The participants were examined for various anthropometric parameters such as height, weight, and NC. BMI was calculated. The correlation between NC and other indices (BMI, weight WC) was assessed by calculating the Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and P > 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results Neck circumference (NC) positively correlated with BMI, weight and WC. The correlation was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion Our study revealed a positive and significant correlation between neck circumference (NC)and other anthropometric indices like BMI, weight and waist circumference (WC) in young medical students, indicating an increase in BMI, weight and waist circumference (WC) with an increase in neck circumference (NC) or vice versa. Top Keywords Neck circumference, Body Mass Index, Waist circumference, Obesity, Overweight. Top |