What Does a Thick Neck Mean For Your Health?

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Plus, find out if this feature is considered attractive

Co-authored by Monica Morris and Amber Crain

Last Updated: July 11, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Thick Neck Meaning
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• Potential Health Risks
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• Is it attractive?
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• Building Neck Muscles
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• Reducing Neck Size

|Show more |Show less

There are a lot of different opinions out there about neck thickness! Depending on what’s causing the wider circumference, a thick neck can be considered attractive or an undesirable health risk. We partnered with a certified personal trainer to help us break it all down for you, including what neck measurements are considered “thick” for men and women, the health risks associated with thicker necks, and how to build or reduce neck thickness (depending on your personal goals).

How do you define a “thick” neck?

A neck is considered “thick” if the circumference is more than 17 in (43 cm) for men or 14 in (35.5 cm) for women. Thickness caused by muscle mass is often seen as desirable and masculine as long as it’s proportionate. Thickness caused by fat accumulation is less desirable and associated with serious health risks.

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Section 1 of 5:

What does it mean to have a thick neck?

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1. 
   A thick neck refers to a larger than average neck circumference. While the definition of a “thick neck” varies a bit depending on your specific body frame, generally speaking, it is defined as a neck circumference of more than 17 in (43 cm) for men and 14 in (35.5 cm) for women. A thick neck can be caused by many things, including muscle mass, fat accumulation, and underlying health conditions.

   • Is a thick neck bad for your health? A thick neck is often admired in athletic and bodybuilding circles, especially if you’ve trained hard to develop those muscles. However, for the average person, a thick neck usually indicates unhealthy upper body fat distribution, which is associated with several health risks.
   • How do you measure neck circumference? Relax your shoulders and stand (or sit) up straight. Place a flexible tape measure at the base of your neck, below the Adam's apple. Wrap the tape around your neck snugly, keeping it parallel with the floor. Note where the tape meets the zero mark to get your measurement.
   • Should you be worried if your neck is thick? Certified personal trainer Monica Morris says, “If you have a thick neck and similar muscular fullness symmetrically throughout your body, it is not a sign of health issues. However, if you only have a thick neck and the rest of your physique is not symmetrical, then it may be concerning medically.” Also, if you’re dealing with excess fat (rather than muscle) in the neck area, you may want to speak to your doctor about the health risks.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Monica Morris is an ACE-Certified personal trainer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She’s been certified since 2017 and also owns her own physical training practice.
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Section 2 of 5:

Health Risks Associated With Thick Necks

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   Obstructive sleep apnea A thicker neck often means there’s more fat tissue lining your throat, which can partially obstruct your airway and lead to snoring or wheezing. A very thick neck can completely close off the airway and cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which causes your breath to start and stop repeatedly while you’re asleep. OSA is associated with other serious health conditions like heart issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.
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   Cardiovascular disease People with thicker necks are more likely to have heart conditions like high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat and flow), coronary heart disease (narrowed arteries that restrict blood flow), and heart failure. These risks are only associated with visceral fat distribution and obesity. If you have a thick neck from hitting the gym, you don’t need to be concerned.
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   Metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes People with thicker necks are more likely to be overweight, which means they have larger waist circumferences, as well. Visceral fat in the neck and abdominal areas is associated with insulin resistance and higher insulin levels, which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.
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   Thyroid disorders Less commonly, a thick neck can be caused by thyroid conditions that aren’t associated with fat accumulation at all. Instead, the thicker neck circumference is being caused by a swollen thyroid gland. ​​Because the thyroid gland is at the base of your neck, right below your Adam's apple, it can increase your neck circumference if it becomes swollen.
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Section 3 of 5:

Is a thick neck an attractive feature?

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1. 
   A thick, muscular neck is often considered attractive for guys. Strong, well-developed neck muscles are often associated with masculinity and strength—qualities that many people find attractive. A muscular neck can also make the jawline look more rugged and defined, which can boost attractiveness. Proportions are key, though; it’s less desirable if a guy has a thick neck on top of slight shoulders and a thin body.

   • A thick, muscular neck isn’t just attractive to potential mates. It’s often admired in athletic and fitness communities, as well. Building muscle mass in the neck area is a point of pride in the fitness world (especially for men, but women bodybuilders are also admired for their neck muscles).
   • A thick neck caused by excess body fat is generally not considered attractive.

Section 4 of 5:

How to Build Neck Muscle

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   Neck flexion Sit or stand up straight and look straight ahead with your feet about hip-width apart. Place the heels of your hands against your forehead right above the eyebrows. Press your hands against your forehead while simultaneously pressing your forehead against your hands. Hold for 6 seconds, then release to complete one rep.

   • Aim for: 1-2 sets of 8-12 reps
   • Increase the intensity: Instead of manual resistance (using your hands), use a weighted plate. Lay down on your back on a stable bench or platform with your neck and shoulders hanging slightly over the edge. Hold a weighted plate against your forehead, then slowly lift your head and shoulders like you’re doing a crunch. Stop when your chin touches your chest, then slowly lower it again. That’s one rep.
   • According to personal trainer John Diaz, isometric exercises like neck flexions and extensions are the best way to strengthen the neck area.
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   Neck extension Sit or stand up straight and look straight ahead with your feet about hip-width apart. Place your hands at the back of your head and press your hands against your head while simultaneously pressing your head straight back against your hands. Hold for 6 seconds, then release to complete one rep.

   • Aim for: 1-2 sets of 8-12 reps
   • Increase the intensity: Lay down on your stomach on a stable bench or platform with your neck and shoulders hanging slightly over the edge. Hold a weighted plate against the top of your head. Slowly lower your head until it’s at a 45-degree angle with the floor, then lift up until you’re looking straight ahead. That’s one rep.
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   Neck lateral extension Sit or stand up straight and look straight ahead with your feet about hip-width apart. Place your right palm against the right side of your head above your ear. Press against the side of your head with your hand while simultaneously pressing your head against your hand. Hold for about 6 seconds.

   • Aim for: 1-2 sets of 8-12 reps
   • After you finish your set(s) with your right hand, switch to pressing your left hand against the left side of your head and repeat the exercise.
   • Increase the intensity: Lay down on your right side on a stable bench or platform with your neck and shoulders hanging slightly over the edge. Hold a weighted plate against the left side of your head. Slowly lower your head until your right ear is touching your right shoulder. Then, lift up toward the ceiling, continuing to look straight ahead. That’s one rep.
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   Bench neck extension Morris says to lay face-down on a bench, with your head hanging off. “Drop your head below the bench, and then raise it, so at the peak of the exercise, your eyes are facing forward. Repeat this in the opposite position (supine on the bench), dropping your head below the bench then bringing your chin up towards your chest.”

   • Work symmetrically: Morris says, “To build the muscles in your neck, you need to train all four angles: posterior, anterior, and both lateral sides.” To work the sides of your neck, she says to lie on one side, dropping your ear toward your shoulder, then raising your head.”
   • Increase the intensity: Morris says you can make this more challenging by “adding a plate to your forehead to increase the strength of your neck.” But she adds, “This should be done symmetrically with other body parts so that everything becomes equally developed.”
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Section 5 of 5:

How to Reduce Neck Size

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   Weight loss If you’re dealing with unwanted fat on your neck, the cheapest and most effective way to get rid of it is to eat a caloric deficit and engage in cardiovascular activity (jogging, biking, dancing, etc.) so that you lose weight. Exercising helps you burn more calories and fat, which accelerates weight loss, and can also tone your neck muscles so the area looks more defined.
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   CoolSculpting (Cryolipolysis) CoolSculpting is an FDA-approved, non-surgical procedure performed by a specialist or aesthetician. During the procedure, a special device applies controlled cooling to the neck area for about 60 minutes, which freezes and destroys unwanted fat cells. It’s not harmful for your skin. Then, your body will naturally eliminate the fat cells over 1-3 months.

   • Results: You may see subtle results (up to 20% size reduction) after 1 session, but 2 sessions are usually recommended for significant changes.
   • Cost: $600 to $1,000 per session (varies by location)
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   Kybella injections Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable that can dissolve excess fat, which gets rid of it permanently. If you’re struggling with neck fat with a double chin, these injections might be a great option for you. The injections take about 20 minutes per session and you may need to do 2-4 separate sessions to achieve the results you want (depending on the amount of fat being dissolved).

   • Results: You should see noticeable results in 4-6 weeks and the results are permanent.
   • Cost: $700 to $1,200 per session (varies by location)
   • Facial cosmetic specialist David Isaacs, MD, says Kybella is a common and effective procedure for neck fat removal.
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   Radiofrequency (RF) therapy RF is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that tightens skin and reduces collagen production with controlled electromagnetic energy. The device allows for precision, so you can target specific areas like the neck easily. Typically, patients will require 3-4 separate sessions to achieve the results they want.

   • Results: You should see noticeable results within 2-6 months. Results last 1-3 years.
   • Cost: $550 and $1,500 per session (varies by location)
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   Neck liposuction Neck lipo is a surgical procedure that permanently removes excess fatty tissue on and around the neck. It’s an outpatient surgery that may sometimes require local anesthesia (but not always). Two incisions will be made under the chin or ears and the excess neck fat will be removed with a cannula (suction wand) to create a more sculpted appearance.

   • Results: Results are immediate and permanent. Full recovery will take about a month, but you’ll be able to do your everyday activities.
   • Cost: $4,000 to $7,000 (varies by location)
   • Dr. Isaacs says neck liposuction is a common and effective treatment for excess fat in the neck area.
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   Neck lift A neck lift, also known as a lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that can reduce excess fatty deposits and excess skin under the chin, under the jawline, and around the neck. There are several different surgeries available depending on your specific goals, so your first step is to have a consultation with a medical provider and go from there.

   • Results: Results are long-lasting (10-15 years), but they aren’t permanent. A full recovery usually takes 3-6 months.
   • Cost: $5,000 and $17,000 (varies by location and specific surgery performed)
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