Your Neck Size Could Reveal Hidden Health Risks, Say Experts

ISLAMABAD — Your neck might be revealing more about your health than you think. According to health experts, a thick neck is now being recognized as a red flag for serious conditions such as heart failure, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea — even in individuals with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI).

For decades, BMI has been the go-to tool for assessing a person’s health based on weight and height. However, recent research suggests that neck circumference could be a more accurate marker for identifying hidden fat around vital organs — a type of fat that doesn’t always show up on the scale but can silently impact key metabolic functions.

The Dangers of a Thick Neck

Several studies have linked a larger neck size to increased risk of:

• High blood pressure and irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)

• Coronary artery disease and heart failure

• Type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders

• Obstructive sleep apnea and daytime fatigue, which can lead to workplace and driving accidents

Doctors warn that excess fat around the neck area can interfere with blood flow and release fatty acids that disturb cholesterol levels, blood sugar regulation, and heart rhythm — increasing the chances of strokes and long-term cardiovascular damage.

What’s Considered “Thick”?

Medical professionals define a thick neck as 17 inches or more in men and 14 inches or more in women. Even small increases beyond these measurements have been associated with a greater risk of hospitalization and premature death — regardless of a person’s BMI.

Prevention: What Can You Do?

To lower these risks, experts recommend:

• Engaging in cardio and strength training to reduce upper body fat

• Prioritizing good sleep to support hormone and metabolic balance

• Maintaining a nutrient-rich diet that includes vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains

A Simple But Powerful Indicator

While BMI remains widely used in clinical settings, neck circumference is gaining attention as a simple, low-cost tool for early detection of health risks — especially those related to fat distribution that BMI may miss.

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Health professionals encourage individuals to measure their necks and discuss the results with their doctors — especially if they experience symptoms like fatigue, snoring, or irregular heartbeat.

“Your neck may be telling you something your weight isn’t. Listening to it could save your life,” said one cardiovascular specialist.