The ITV star and full-time GP has issued an update
A medical professional has revealed that a specific body part may provide insight into your longevity. The expert suggests that your thighs could offer clues about healthy ageing.
In a video shared on Instagram, Doctor Amir Khan explained why “thicker thighs really do save lives.” Dr Amir, well known for his work on ITV, indicated that individuals with thinner thighs might encounter a “significantly” heightened risk of heart disease and early mortality. This has nothing to do with body fat levels, but instead concerns muscle mass. Dr Amir said: “We’ve been told to focus on weight to make ourselves smaller to lose inches, to get rid of fat.
“But what if one of the biggest predictors of your future health isn’t how much fat you’re carrying, it’s how much muscle you have?” To back up his claims, he referenced research published in the British Medical Journal in 2009, as reported by Surrey Live.
“A brilliantly fascinating study, published in the BMJ, followed thousands of people for over a decade and found that those with small thighs had a significantly higher risk of heart disease and premature death,” he stated. “Now, this isn’t because bigger thighs are magically protective.
“It’s because your thighs contain some of the largest and most important muscles in your body and muscle is far more than something that helps you look toned. Muscle is your body’s metabolic powerhouse.”
According to Dr Amir, your muscles can assist with: He stated: “In fact, one of the strongest predictors of healthy ageing isn’t how much weight you lose, it’s how much muscle you keep as you get older. That’s why doctors worry, when older adults lose muscle mass, it’s associated with frailty falls, hospital admissions, loss of independence, and a shorter life expectancy.”
Dr Amir went on: “So perhaps it’s time we stop asking, ‘How much do I weigh?’ and instead let’s start asking, ‘How strong am I?'” He also stressed the significance of the following questions:.
He continued: “Because thicker thighs are associated with better long-term health outcomes when it comes to your heart. So, the goal isn’t to be skinny, the goal is to be strong enough to live the life you want to for as long as possible.”
He therefore recommended including muscle-strengthening activities such as squats, walking, and utilising resistance bands in daily routines. “Every bit of strength training is like putting money into your pension for your health and trust me, your future self will thank you for it,” he concluded.
In the research referenced by Dr Amir, the authors observed: “Low thigh circumference seems to be associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease or premature death. The adverse effects of small thighs might be related to too little muscle mass in the region.
The measure of thigh circumference might be a relevant anthropometric measure to help general practitioners in early identification of individuals at an increased risk of premature morbidity and mortality.”
