(P31-049-23) Correlation of Neck Circumference and Other Anthropometric Indices With Percentage of Body Fat

Objectives: Neck circumference (NC) has recently been used as an indirect indicator of adiposity that adequately correlates with other parameters such as waist circumference and therefore with central adiposity and metabolic risk. However, the information on its relationship with the percentage of body fat (%BF) is scarce. The objective of this study was to identify the correlation of NC values and other anthropometric parameters with %BF evaluated through bioelectrical impedance in school-age children in a public hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Methods: In a cross-sectional design, we included 96 children between 5 and 10 years old, apparently healthy in the outpatient clinic of a public Hospital. Weight, height (for BMI calculation), neck, waist, and hip circumferences, mean arm circumference, and triceps skinfold were evaluated; the %BF was evaluated by means of bioelectrical impedance. Descriptive statistics were performed and the correlation (Pearson) between %BF and anthropometric parameters was estimated.

Results: Ninety-six children were included, 62 male, with a mean age of 7.6 ± 1.4 years; 43.8% with normal weight, 26% with overweight and 30.2% with obesity. In the total group, the NC had a direct correlation with the %BF (r= 0.54, p < 0.001), lower than that of the BMI (r= 0.75, p< 0.001) and the waist circumference (r= 0.72, p< 0.001). Similar to other reports, the NC had a direct correlation with waist circumference (r= 0.77, p< 0.001). The correlation of NC with %BF was higher in boys than in girls (r= 0.67 vs 0.37).

Conclusions: The NC has a direct and significant correlation with the waist circumference and therefore with central adiposity; its correlation with %BF is lower, particularly in girls.

Funding Sources: Hospital Civil de Guadalajara "Dr. Juan I. Menchaca" and Universidad de Guadalajara