Neck circumference is a valuable tool for identifying metabolic syndrome and obesity in Chinese elder subjects: a community-based study

Objective: We aim to explore the relationship of neck circumference to metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity in Chinese elders and to establish cut-off points of the neck circumference for MetS and obesity.

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis for a population sample of 2092 individuals aged over 65 years, representative of East China elders. MetS was identified according to the 2004 Chinese Diabetes Society criteria.

Results: Neck circumference was correlated with body mass index (r = 0.70, p = 0.000 in men, and r = 0.73, p = 0.000 in women) and waist circumference (waist circumference; r = 0.70, p = 0.000 in men, and r = 0.72, p = 0.000 in women). According to neck circumference quartile, the prevalence of MetS and its components were increased significantly from Q1 to Q4 (p for trend <0.001) in both genders. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that both waist circumference and neck circumference were independent predictors of Mets, with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) 1.11 (1.08-1.15; p = 0.044) and 1.17 (1.07-1.28; p = 0.000), respectively, in men and 1.08 (1.05-1.10; p = 0.000) and 1.31 (1.21-1.42; p = 0.000), respectively, in women. As for obesity, the significant independent indicators in both genders were also waist circumference and neck circumference (all p < 0.01). In the receiver operating characteristic curves, both the optimal cut-off points of neck circumference for MetS and obesity were 38 cm in men and 35 cm in women.

Conclusions: The neck circumference, as waist circumference, is also a valuable tool for identifying MetS and obesity, with established cut-off points for the prediction of MetS and obesity in Chinese elders.