ITV's Dr Amir Khan has shared encouraging news for those concerned about their thigh size. The full-time GP and television personality revealed that thicker thighs may be linked to a longer, healthier life.
The Link Between Thighs and Longevity
In a recent Instagram video, Dr Amir explained that thigh circumference could offer clues about healthy ageing. He stated, "Thicker thighs really do save lives," emphasizing that the key factor is muscle mass, not fat.
Dr Amir referenced a 2009 study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), which followed thousands of people for over a decade. The research found that individuals with smaller thighs had a "significantly" higher risk of heart disease and premature death.
Why Muscle Matters
Dr Amir clarified that bigger thighs are not magically protective. Instead, thighs contain some of the body's largest and most important muscles. "Muscle is your body's metabolic powerhouse," he said, noting that muscle helps regulate blood sugar, burn calories, and support overall health.
He stressed that one of the strongest predictors of healthy ageing is not weight loss but muscle retention. Loss of muscle mass in older adults is associated with frailty, falls, hospital admissions, loss of independence, and shorter life expectancy.
Shifting the Focus from Weight to Strength
Dr Amir encouraged people to stop asking "How much do I weigh?" and instead ask "How strong am I?" He emphasized that thicker thighs are associated with better long-term heart health. "The goal isn't to be skinny; the goal is to be strong enough to live the life you want for as long as possible," he said.
Practical Recommendations
To build and maintain muscle, Dr Amir recommended incorporating strength-building activities into daily routines, such as:
- Squats
- Walking
- Using resistance bands
He concluded, "Every bit of strength training is like putting money into your pension for your health. Your future self will thank you for it."
The BMJ Study
The study authors noted that low thigh circumference appears to be associated with an increased risk of heart disease or premature death, possibly due to too little muscle mass in the region. They suggested thigh circumference could be a useful measure for general practitioners to identify individuals at higher risk.
