Neck and neck with heart disease
A healthy blue whale can have a neck with a circumference of 540 inches (45 feet). Humans need a much smaller neck size to be able to swim around diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure and heart failure.
That's because a thick neck indicates excess fat in the upper body and that's known to increase the strain on your cardiovascular system and to impact metabolic functions like regulation of blood glucose and LDL cholesterol. And an oversized neck delivers those health harms even if you're not overweight or obese.
So, what neck size is a sign of serious health risks? For men, it's a circumference of 17 inches or more; for women, 14 inches-plus is risky.
And how do you lose excess fat around your neck? According to The Conversation, you can reduce your neck size by doing cardiovascular exercises, like interval and strength training, and making sure to get sufficient quality sleep. That will also improve your metabolic health. Plus, you can reduce unhealthy, upper-body fat storage by eating a plant-based diet, rich in legumes, fruits and vegetables, and dodging saturated fats.
I'm going to stick my neck out and suggest that using the GLP-1 weight-loss drug tirzepatide is another smart way to reduce everything from your weight to your neck size and heart risks -- and it can help control sleep apnea, liver damage and more. If you'd like additional help reclaiming your health, check out the state-of-the-art AI coaching program available at 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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