An increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and limitations of current predictors emerges the need for new diagnostic tools. The current study, hence, aims at identifying neck circumference [NC] and Waist: Height ratio [WHtR] as user-friendly, economical and accurate screening tool for MS. Total 101 [51 males & 50 females] participants visiting Shilpa Medical and Research Centre, Mumbai, were screened for MS by using International Diabetes Federation [IDF-2005] criteria. They were subjected to various anthropometrical measures like Waist Circumference(WC), Body Mass Index (BMI), Neck Circumference (NC), Waist: Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist: Height Ratio (WHtR) and access to their blood reports was gained with participants and doctor’s consent. Pearson’s Correlation-coefficient was used was used to define the correlations between test variables and reference variables. A significant [p<.001 for all] correlation of NC was observed with all MS criteria [WC, Fasting Blood Sugar [FBS], Blood Pressure [BP], Total Triglyceride [TG] and High Density Lipoprotein [HDL] levels]. A significant correlation was found for NC followed by WC, WHtR and lastly BMI with MS markers [p=<0.001-0.5]. Present study suggests multi-dimensional use of anthropometric variables comprising NC and WHtR along with BMI and WC as an easy, economical and effective screening tool for MS. NC>38cms and >34cms for males and females respectively and universal cut-off point of >0.5 for WHtR was applicable for the given population.

Keywords:Metabolic Syndrome; Neck Circumference; Waist: Height Ratio; International Diabetes Federation Criteria 2005