An enlarged neck circumference can indicate physical strength, such as that of athletes practicing violent sports like boxing or rugby, but doctors warn that it may also signal a risk of serious health problems.

Doctors say that neck circumference reflects the fat distribution in the upper half of the body and is itself an indicator of overall metabolic health.

British doctors explained to the science research website “SciTech Daily” that fat accumulation in the upper body leads to the release of fatty acids into the blood, which in turn affects how the body handles cholesterol, blood sugar, and heartbeats.

Researchers Ahmed El-Badawi, Professor of Biochemistry, and Nadine Wahida, Professor of Genetics at Kingston University in London, said that an enlarged neck circumference is also an indicator of risks for heart diseases such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, heart attacks, as well as some arterial diseases.

They added that there is also a link between neck circumference and some sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, where the patient feels unable to breathe during sleep, leading to general fatigue, stress throughout the day, and circulatory system problems.

The researchers noted that a dangerous neck circumference is 17 inches (43 centimeters) for men and 14 inches (35.5 centimeters) for women. This issue may appear even in people with a normal body mass index, meaning a person may have a moderate build and not be obese, but still have an enlarged neck circumference problem.

The researchers confirmed that neck circumference can be changed by modifying lifestyle, practicing some physical exercises, and eating balanced meals containing fruits and vegetables, while reducing calorie intake.