Heart disease, death linked to slim thighs

LA Times via Denver Post ^ | 09/05/2009 | Shari Roan

[neverdem]

Leg size may be a more accurate indicator of risks than the waistline.

We know having a large waistline is unhealthy. But larger thighs, it appears, may protect against heart disease and premature death.

A study published on BMJ.com, the website of the British Medical Journal, found that men and women whose thighs are less than 23.6 inches have a higher risk of premature death and heart disease compared with those with thighs exceeding that size. Having thighs that are even bigger, however, confers no added benefit. The study is the first to suggest that thigh size matters.

The measurement was of subjects' right thighs. It was taken as high up on the leg as possible.

The study also found that cardiovascular death risk was more strongly related to thigh circumference than to waist circumference. People with a circumference of less than 21 inches doubled their risk factor.

It seems logical that large thighs signal a higher fat content, which would be bad for cardiovascular health. So why are slender thighs worse? The authors suggest that small thighs could mean there is too little muscle mass in the region. The presence of muscle tissue influences insulin resistance and other cardiovascular risks.

The authors recommend more emphasis on lower-body workouts to strengthen legs.

"Behaviors to selectively reduce waist circumference are generally unknown," they wrote. "Thigh muscle mass, on the other hand, can be selectively increased by lower body physical activity."...

[neverdem]

Thigh circumference and risk of heart disease and premature death: prospective cohort study

FReebie

[madison10]

Gonna post this on my refrigerator. LOL

[romanesq]

American women will now hold parties to eat more ice cream to get bigger thighs.

That’s what I see coming out of this.

[A_Former_Democrat]

Damn, I knew I should’ve married that cute blonde, large breasted, thunder thighed secretary of mine decades ago

[fortunecookie]

Well, nice to know I have one fewer risk factor! (Hold the ga-dunk ga-dunk jokes, it’s not like that!) ;-)

[NativeNewYorker]

[TornadoAlley3]

[null and void]

I’m safe...

[null and void]

Hey! That’s my daughter!!!

[null and void]

and that’s my ex!!!

[Ancient Drive]

[OrangeHoof]

This explains why so many healthy, trim women are dropping dead like flies... < /sarc>

[EGPWS]

The study also found that cardiovascular death risk was more strongly related to thigh circumference than to waist circumference.

The next check up I have I will insist that the doctor focus on the condition of my thighs and not the condition of my heart.

[Oldpuppymax]

Well that means most of the female citizens of Detroit, Chicago and Oakland should live forever!

[earlJam]

Tom Platz is toast.

[Reo]

Looks like Hillary’s going to be around for a long time.....

[org.whodat]

A study published on BMJ.com, the website of the British Medical Journal, found that men and women whose thighs are less than 23.6 inches have a higher risk of premature death and heart disease compared with those with thighs exceeding that size. Having thighs that are even bigger, however, confers no added benefit. The study is the first to suggest that thigh size matters.

The true results are, The nuts at BMJ have too much time on their hands and need something to do to waste money.

[youngidiot]

I knew it! A big legged woman aint got no soul, nonsense. I'm with Thomas Sowell. I often look at the diet ads and think that the “before” woman looks better than the “after” woman. Call me a fatty lover, if you like. You shouldn't be able to see their organs working. That isn't sexy - it's sick.

[billorites]

[org.whodat]