Validating Neck Circumference and Waist Circumference as Anthropometric Measures of Overweight/Obesity in Adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To measure neck circumference and waist circumference, to compare it between normal and overweight/obese adolescents, and to validate these with body mass index.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 1800 school-going adolescents. Body mass index, waist circumference and neck circumference were measured. Independent samples t-test and Pearson's correlation were used as tests of significance to analyze quantitative data.

RESULTS: Positive correlation of neck circumference and waist circumference with body mass index was observed. The neck circumference and waist circumference in overweight/obese adolescents were significantly higher than adolescents with normal body mass index (P<0.001). Area under curve of waist circumference was more than area under curve of neck circumference. Cut-off values of neck circumference for screening adolescent obesity in boys and girls were 30.75 cm, and 29.75 cm, respectively, and waist circumference cut-off value were 70.75 cm for boys and 69.25 cm for girls at fairly good levels of sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSION: Neck circumference and waist circumference may be used in clinical practice and epidemiological studies as an index of overweight/ obesity among school-going adolescents.