Neck circumference as an alternative marker of metabolic syndrome in Peruvian adults: A retrospective, cross-sectional study

Abstract

Neck circumference is a low-cost and simple anthropometric measure that has been proven to accurately assess central obesity. However, evidence of its use and feasibility in low-resource settings is limited. We aimed to compare the utility of neck circumference with standard physical measures of obesity in northern Peru. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted among adults screened for metabolic syndrome. Body mass index, waist circumference, neck circumference, and additional measurements for metabolic syndrome were obtained. Assessments were performed following the WHO STEPS Surveillance Manual. Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the relationship of neck circumference to waist circumference and body mass index. Data from 250 participants showed a normal, homogeneous distribution in both men and women with respect to age and physical/biochemical measurements. The mean age was 53.6 years. A positive correlation of neck circumference with body mass index (r = 0.51 for women and 0.65 for men) and waist circumference (r = 0.6 for women and 0.74 for men) was observed. Multiple linear regression showed that a 1-cm increase in neck circumference increased body mass index by 0.72 kg/m² (p < 0.001) in men and 0.94 kg/m² (p < 0.001) in women, and waist circumference by 2.20 cm (p < 0.001) in men and 2.27 cm (p < 0.001) in women. Our findings suggest that neck circumference is a valid and reliable measure that will replace body mass index and waist circumference in Peruvian adults with central obesity; due to the strong correlation that exists between the NC and these anthropometric measurements, mainly because it is an easy, quick measurement and is less vulnerable to errors such as in the measurement of abdominal circumference or variabilities in weight.