Neck circumference as an independent indicator to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in non-obese men.

Background: To investigate the relationship of the neck circumference (NC) with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in non-obese Chinese population.

Methods: Our data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of metabolic diseases and risk factors in East China in 2014. Subjects with a BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m(2) and < 25 kg/m(2) were considered normal weight. A total of 2668 participants aged 18-89 were identified for analysis. Anthropometric indices, biochemical parameters, clinical characteristics and abdominal ultrasound were measured. Independent predictors of NAFLD were identified by multiple logistic regressions.

Results: The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 10.94 % in this study population and men had a higher prevalence than women (19.89 % vs 7.48 %, P < 0.01). The mean NC was greater in NAFLD subjects compared with other groups in both genders (P < 0.01). NC was correlated to BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, insulin, HOMA-IR, triglycerides and ALT, regardless of sex. In the highest quartile of NC levels in men but not in women, the risks were substantially higher for NAFLD [odds ratio 2.18, (95 % confidence interval 1.16-4.13)] (P < 0.001 for trend) after adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Conclusion: NC was an independent indicator for NAFLD in normal weighted men.