Doctors may need to start measuring patients’ necks to better predict their risk of serious health conditions, experts say. Traditionally, GPs have relied on body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratios, but two Kingston University professors argue that neck circumference provides a more accurate snapshot of current and future health.
Dr Ahmed Elbediwy, a professor of biochemistry, and Dr Nadine Wehida, a professor of genetics and microbiology, warn that a larger neck could indicate high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar during pregnancy, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—all conditions that raise the risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes.
OSA, a sleep disorder caused by the relaxation of throat muscles, leads to repeated pauses in breathing and is linked to increased heart risk. The experts say that a neck size of 17 inches (43 cm) or more for men and 14 inches (35.5 cm) or more for women may signal higher health risks.
Measuring neck circumference is simple: wrap a tape measure around the narrowest part of the neck, snug but not tight. While a large neck isn’t a cause for panic, it is an important warning sign. Neck size reflects upper-body fat distribution, which releases fatty acids into the blood, interfering with cholesterol, blood sugar, and heart rhythm. It is also a marker of visceral fat, harmful fat surrounding organs, which is associated with higher mortality risk.
Previous studies, including a 2019 report, show thicker necks correlate with increased rates of high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and other heart diseases. Atrial fibrillation is especially concerning, as it can cause blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. Diabetes and sleep apnea also carry serious long-term risks, including vision loss, amputations, and car accidents due to daytime exhaustion.
The good news: lifestyle changes can mitigate these risks. Cardiovascular exercise, strength training, proper sleep, and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and pulses can help reduce upper-body fat, support metabolism, and protect heart health.
Experts highlight the urgency amid a rise in heart-related deaths in the UK, which jumped 18% from 18,693 in 2019 to 21,975 in 2023. Heart failure diagnoses have also risen 21% since 2020, reaching 785,000 in 2024. Health authorities cite an unhealthy population, inequalities, pandemic impacts, and Covid-related heart strain as potential causes.
In short, your neck might be more telling than your waistline—so it’s worth a quick measure.
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