Neck circumference as an indicator for overweight and obesity in Urban Bengaluru - A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The worldwide obesity problem is taking a health toll on many parts of the world, resulting in various non-communicable diseases (NCDs). BMI is universally accepted for obesity assessments since it is easy to use in large people. However, it fails to describe the real body configuration. Neck circumference (NC) has lately been used to classify obesity which seems to have a desired correlation with anthropometrics for both sexes. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to depict NC as a simple screening tool for overweight or obesity and its relationship to waist circumference (WC) and body mass index in adults of 18–40 years. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of the community was carried out in the urban slum under Bangalore Medical College, Bengaluru, among 180 subjects (90 males and 90 females) between 18 and 40 years. A semi-structured form questionnaire with demographics and anthropometrics was attained with consent. Results: Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis shows the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of the value of males at 33.50 cm are 79% and 57% to be 0.79, for females, it was found to be 32.50 cm in sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 76%, and area under the curve to be 0.88. Conclusion: NC >33.50 cm and >32.50 cm for men and women require additional evaluation to help curb the modifiable risks of obesity-related NCD.