Background
Problem Statement: Obesity is a global epidemic requiring accurate ongoing clinical assessment, as it increases risk of multiple health conditions, such as CVD. Body mass index (BMI) is the most widely used anthropometric measure. Waist circumference (WC) is an accurate measure of visceral fat. Neck circumference (NC) is a newer, simple assessment tool positively correlated with percent body fat, BMI and WC. NC is easier to measure than WC, and unaffected by external factors like lean muscle mass for BMI, and abdominal distension, respiration, and patient discomfort for WC.
Hypothesis: NC, less studied in black patients, who are at higher risk of CVD, is hypothesized to correlate with BMI and WC in a predominantly black, urban patient cohort.
Project Objectives: Investigate the feasibility of integrating NC measurements into routine clinical assessments, emphasizing its simplicity and potential advantages Explore the correlation of NC with BMI and WC in a predominantly black, urban patient cohort with a higher risk of obesity-related conditions
