Neck and Wrist Circumferences Propose a Reliable Approach to Qualify Obesity and Insulin Resistance

Objective of this study is to evaluate the association of neck circumference and wrist circumference with traditional abdominal and general obesity measurement parameters, insulin resistance, insulin resistance-related factors such as blood lipids, fasting glucose, insulin concentration and adiponectin, in order to predict their values as obesity measurement parameters. Eighty six female and 20 male subjects between 18-75 years of age were included in the study. Body weight, height, waist, hip, neck and wrist circumferences were measured. Body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio were calculated. Laboratory parameters such as fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin and adiponectin were measured after 12 hours of overnight fasting. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Neck circumference showed positive correlation with age, weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, waist to hip ratio, wrist circumference, insulin, HOMA-IR and negative correlation with adiponectin and high density lipoprotein cholesterol in females and positive correlation with weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, waist to hip ratio and negative correlation with adiponectin in males. Wrist circumference showed positive correlation with weight, body mass index, neck, waist and hip circumferences, waist to hip ratio, insulin, HOMA-IR and negative correlation with adiponectin, high density lipoprotein cholesterol in females. No correlation was found in male subjects. Neck circumference can be a reliable obesity and insulin resistance parameter in both genders. Wrist circumference requires further investigation for the classification of its possible position in obesity evaluation.