Neck Circumference: A valid anthropometric tool to predict Obesity in Adults of Davanagere, South India

Background: Neck Circumference (NC) can prove as a useful tool to predict obesity and overweight due to its advantages over the other anthropometric measurements. There have been fewer studies to assess its validity in a South Indian population. Aim & Objective: To validate Neck Circumference as a screening tool to predict obesity and to identify critical cut off points for obesity in Adults using Neck Circumference. Settings and Design: A cross sectional study involving 512 study subjects was conducted in the field practice area of a tertiary care hospital. Stratified sampling was used. Methods and Material: Data was collected using a pre designed semi structured questionnaire which included clinico-social details and anthropometric measurements of the respondents as per standard guidelines. Statistical analysis used: Data was analyzed using MS Excel and SPSS v.16.0 Results: In our study population BMI and body fat % was greater in females. NC showed positive correlation with Weight, Height, Waist Circumference and BMI. A cut off for NC of 36 cm in males and 29 cm in females was obtained with a sensitivity of 83.3% and 65.6% respectively. Conclusions: Neck circumference can be an important screening tool for overweight and obesity in adult population.