How can neck size predict health risks even for people with normal BMI?

The experts explain that neck circumference serves as a proxy for visceral fat, which can be present even in individuals who are considered to have a healthy weight based on traditional BMI measures. They warn that for each additional centimeter of neck size beyond certain thresholds, the rates of hospitalization and death also rise.

Home / Health / Neck Size Reveals Hidden Health Risks, Experts Warn

Neck Size Reveals Hidden Health Risks, Experts Warn

Q: What does neck size have to do with health?

According to health experts, a thicker neck can indicate the presence of harmful visceral fat around the upper body, which can interfere with the body's management of cholesterol, blood sugar, and heart rhythm, putting individuals at increased risk of serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

Q: What can people do to reduce health risks associated with a thicker neck?

The experts recommend a combination of cardiovascular exercise, weight training, quality sleep, and a balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods to help reduce upper body fat and improve overall metabolic health.

29 Aug

•

Summary

Neck circumference can indicate harmful visceral fat
Thicker necks linked to heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea
Neck size matters even for those with normal BMI

Neck Size Reveals Hidden Health Risks, Experts Warn

According to health experts, the size of your neck could be a more telling indicator of your overall wellbeing than the traditional body mass index (BMI) measure. In a report published on August 29, 2025, doctors from Kingston University explain that a thicker neck often signals the presence of harmful visceral fat around the upper body.

This fat can interfere with the body's management of cholesterol, blood sugar, and heart rhythm, putting individuals at increased risk of serious health problems. The experts warn that people with necks measuring 17 inches or more for men, and 14 inches or more for women, face elevated risks of conditions like hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and type 2 diabetes.

Interestingly, these health concerns persist even in people who are considered to have a normal BMI. "You could have a healthy weight according to traditional measures, but still face elevated health risks due to neck circumference," the doctors state. They emphasize that for each additional centimeter of neck size beyond the thresholds, the rates of hospitalization and death also rise.

The good news is that these risks can be mitigated through lifestyle changes. The experts recommend cardiovascular exercise, weight training, quality sleep, and a balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods to help reduce upper body fat and improve overall metabolic health.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.