Big thighs lower coronary heart disease risk
9 September 2009
Further research needs to be carried out before thigh circumference measurement could be used to identify people most at risk of developing coronary heart disease. 
Dr Karen Woo, associate medical director for Bupa
Having slim thighs may increase your risk of developing coronary heart disease, according to researchers in Copenhagen. However, Dr Karen Woo, associate medical director for Bupa, is quick to point out that this link may not be as clear cut as the research indicates.
The researchers took body measures including height, weight and hip, thigh and waist measurements from nearly 3,000 men and women. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels were also taken, as well as asking them about how much physical activity they did, if they smoked, their alcohol consumption and level of education. All these factors were taken into account when analysing the results. They were then followed up 10 to 12 years later to see if any had developed coronary heart disease.
The study found that people with smaller thighs were more likely to develop coronary heart disease. Those who had a thigh size of between 56 and 68cm had the lowest risk. Experts averaged this out, making 60cm the optimal size to reduce the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease in both men and women.
The researchers suggest that the lower amount of muscle mass in smaller thighs could cause coronary heart disease. However, the fat and muscle mass, and tissue composition of each person's thigh were not measured, therefore, no clear link can be drawn. Dr Woo said: "Further research needs to be carried out before thigh circumference measurement could be used to identify people most at risk of developing coronary heart disease.
"There are many other factors involved in developing coronary heart disease. Thigh size may be one of these, but it could also be related to other lifestyle factors such as not getting enough exercise." Dr Woo goes on to say: "Taking regular exercise, following a healthy diet and not smoking are proven ways of reducing your risk of coronary heart disease."
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Related information
- Coronary heart disease health factsheet
- Heart attack health factsheet
- Angina health factsheet
- High blood pressure health factsheet
- High cholesterol health factsheet
- Heart health factsheet
- Giving up smoking health factsheet
- Physical activity health factsheet
- Healthy eating health factsheet
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