The more a body part swells, the more alarming the health risk.

Not only waist circumference, but neck circumference is also an important but often overlooked health indicator. If your neck circumference exceeds 38 cm in men or 35 cm in women, you should see a doctor early to prevent dangerous diseases.

When looking in the mirror every day, many people often focus only on wrinkles or acne on their face, forgetting that the neck can also reflect their health status. In particular, an increasingly large neck is not simply a matter of appearance but may be associated with more serious health risks than imagined.

Health problems related to large neck circumference

Cardiovascular disease

According to the People's Daily, Dr. Zhang Haicheng, Head of the Cardiology Department at Peking University People's Hospital (China), stated that, from a cardiologist's perspective, people with thick necks generally have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

A large neck often means more fat has accumulated around the neck area. This excess fat can affect the function of blood vessels in the neck, causing the vessel walls to thicken, the lumens to narrow, hindering blood flow and increasing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

High blood cholesterol

Dr. Truong Hai Truong also warned that if neck circumference increases, one should be wary of high blood lipid levels. When blood lipids increase, fat easily accumulates throughout the body, making the neck area appear noticeably thicker. People with this symptom should have their blood lipid levels checked to detect any abnormalities early.

Diabetes

Blood sugar disorders are often directly related to obesity. Some people who are not obese, with a normal waist circumference, but have an excessively large neck, may still experience hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders.

Thyroid disease

If the neck thickens over time, becoming increasingly noticeable, you should consider the possibility of thyroid disease or other neck conditions.

Sleep apnea syndrome

Dr. Ding Sheng, Director of the Chronic Disease Management Center at Wuhan Central Hospital, said that fat accumulation in the neck can narrow the upper airway. Many studies have shown that neck circumference is directly related to the risk of sleep apnea, so respiratory doctors often measure neck circumference to aid in disease assessment.

Cardiopulmonary endurance impairment

People with thick necks should also pay attention to whether their cardiovascular endurance has decreased. For example, they may have previously climbed several flights of stairs without feeling tired, but now feel out of breath and lacking energy after climbing just one or two flights.

Neck and shoulder pain

Excess fat also puts greater pressure on the cervical spine, increasing the risk of cervical spondylosis, inflammation around the shoulders and neck, and pain. This is especially true for people who frequently sit for long periods, as a large neck can put even more pressure on the cervical vertebrae.

An abnormally enlarged neck can be a symptom of diabetes, thyroid disease, or high cholesterol. Photo: Shutterstock.

What size necklace should be considered a cause for concern?

So how do you measure neck circumference accurately? To measure neck circumference correctly, you should:

• Stand or sit upright
• Eyes looking sideways, neither raising nor lowering the head.
• Use a soft measuring tape to measure around the neck.
• Measure from below the Adam's apple to the most prominent point of the posterior cervical vertebra.

According to the recommendation of Mr. Zheng Yantong, Director of the Health Examination Center at the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital:

• Men: Neck circumference should be < 38 cm
• Women: Neck circumference should be less than 35 cm.

If the neck circumference exceeds this level, even if your weight is normal, you should still get checked for related medical conditions. However, it's important to note that a large neck circumference is only a warning sign of potential risks and cannot be used for self-diagnosis. A specialist examination is necessary for accurate diagnosis.

Ways to help maintain a healthy neck

To control neck circumference, the key is to make lifestyle changes as early as possible to achieve overall body goals.

Control calorie intake

Prioritize lean meats, fish, shrimp, and poultry; increase your intake of green vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, and whole grains to create a feeling of fullness while keeping calories low. Each meal should be about 70% full.

Drink plenty of water and choose healthy drinks.

You should drink enough water every day, preferably plain water. Limit sugary drinks and soft drinks. You can also consume milk, soy milk, lemonade, tea, or unsweetened coffee in reasonable amounts.

Get enough sleep.

Lack of sleep increases the stress hormone cortisol, stimulates appetite, and makes it easier for fat to accumulate in the abdomen, neck, and upper body. You should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night and try to go to bed before 11 PM.

Maintain physical activity.

It's recommended to combine aerobic and anaerobic exercises.

• Walking briskly, jogging, swimming, and cycling are aerobic exercises.
• Sprinting, squats, push-ups, and weightlifting are anaerobic exercises.

Stress management

Meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or maintaining personal hobbies can help manage stress and limit the imbalance of fat distribution in the body.

Maintain correct posture.

Whether standing or walking, maintain good posture with your head held high, shoulders open, and eyes looking straight ahead. Office workers should take breaks every 1-2 hours to relax their necks and avoid bending their heads down for too long.

Source: https://znews.vn/co-to-len-co-the-canh-bao-suc-khoe-co-van-de-post1651609.html