Neck circumference: cutoff points for Brazilian children

Abstract

Objective The objective of the present study was to propose cutoff points of neck circumference for predicting overweight in Brazilian children. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with 875 children from public schools in Brazil. Weight, height, and neck circumference were measured. Nutritional status and the risk of complications were assessed based on the values of body mass index and neck circumference. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to verify the cutoff points. Results The median age was eight years, and the majority of the children had normal weights by body mass index and had no risk of metabolic complications by neck circumference. There was a correlation between neck circumference and body mass index (k=0.689; p<0.005). The mean values proposed for overweight were 29.2 cm for girls and 29.1 cm for boys. Conclusion Neck circumference had a good correlation with body mass index, and the cutoff points proposed can identify overweight in Brazilian children.