Neck circumference as a predictor of obesity and overweight in rural central India

Background: Neck circumference is a simple screening measure for identifying overweight and obese patients. The present study is planned to determine if NC is a valid measure of obesity in rural Indian population. Aims: To determine whether a single measure of NC might be used to identify overweight patients and to define NC cutoff levels for overweight and obesity according to existing BMI cutoff levels. Settings and Design: A prospective cross-sectional study from rural medical college at Wardha in central India. Materials and Methods: Main indicators included NC, weight, and height and body mass index according to WHO guidelines. Statistical Analysis: Chi squire test (dichotomous) and t test (continuous) had been done while making these comparisons using statistical software STATA 10.0. Results:Pearson’s correlation coefficients indicated a significant association between changes in NC and changes in body mass index. In men, BMI correlated positively with NC (Corr.coeff = 0.59, p < 0.01) and weight (Corr.coeff = 0.60, p < 0.01). In women also, BMI correlated positively with NC (Corr.coeff = 0.74, p < 0.01) and weight (Corr.coeff = 0.82, p < 0.01). ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for NC and BMI >25 kg/m² was 0.89 for men, 0.91 for women, respectively. NC ≥ 38 cm for men and ≥ 34.7 cm for women were the best cut-off points for determining subjects with overweight. Conclusion: NC measurement is a simple and time-saving screening measure that can be used to identify overweight and obese patients. Patients with NC >36.6 cm for men and >32.1 cm for women require additional evaluation of overweight or obesity status.