Correlation of Neck Circumference with Body Fat Percentage by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a significant public health concern associated with various health risks. Accurate and accessible methods for assessing body fat percentage are essential for obesity evaluation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between neck circumference and body fat percentage, considering bioelectrical impedance analysis as the reference method. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 63 male medical and paramedical students aged 18 to 25 years. Neck circumference, body fat percentage, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were measured using standardized techniques. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and significance testing. Results: The mean neck circumference was 37.4 cm (SD = ±1.6), and the mean body fat percentage was 22.8% (SD = ±4.5). A strong positive correlation was observed between neck circumference and body fat percentage (r = 0.75, p ≤ 0.001). The results indicated that neck circumference can serve as a practical and accessible measurement for estimating body fat percentage. Conclusion: Neck circumference strongly correlated with body fat percentage, suggesting its potential as an obesity assessment tool. Further research involving larger and more diverse populations is needed to validate these findings and explore the clinical implications of using neck circumference in obesity evaluation.