Charles McDowell mugshot

The jokes wrote themselves after the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office uploaded a mugshot of detainee Charles Dion McDowell to its Facebook page.

McDowell, who was arrested for fleeing the police and drug possession, has an unusually large neck that made him the envy of bodybuilders everywhere.

Most bodybuilders desire a big, strong neck to compliment their massive builds. There is no shortage of websites offering tips to build a big neck. But Mr. McDowell’s neck is massive by any standard.

So how did McDowell’s neck grow so big? The answer could be genetics, excessive neck fat, muscular disorder, or various medical conditions such as Cushing’s Syndrome or hypothyroidism.

Having a big neck (more than 16 inches in circumference) can actually be bad for your health.

Men with thick necks are more likely to have heart problems or suffocate in their sleep.

According to Livestrong.com, Cushing’s syndrome, diabetes type 2, and certain medications such as steroids can add large fat deposits around the neck.

People with Cushing’s Syndrome have upper body density, a rounded face and increased neck fat with slender arms and legs.

Some body builders and professional athletes who work out with heavy weights or take hormonal supplements can develop thick necks. Some men are genetically predisposed to excessive neck fat.

Neck fat risks include heart problems, high cholesterol and diabetes. Too much fat in any location is not good for the heart, according to Livestrong.

Neck fat can also increase the risk of sleep apnea by closing off the airways in the throat during sleep.
 

Takeo Spikes

Charles McDowell mugshot
 

Paul Posluszny

Charles McDowell mugshot