Dr Amir Khan has revealed that a certain body part could predict how long you will live. According to the expert, your thighs might hold the key to healthy ageing.
The Importance of Thigh Muscle
In a video on Instagram, Dr Amir Khan explained why “thicker thighs really do save lives.” He stated that people with smaller thighs could have a “significantly” higher risk of heart disease and premature death. This is not about fat, but muscle mass.
Dr Amir said: “We have 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 is not how much fat you are carrying, but how much muscle you have?”
Study Evidence
He referenced a 2009 study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). “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 said. “This is not because bigger thighs are magically protective. It is 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.”
Dr Amir explained that muscles help control blood sugar, improve insulin activity, regulate inflammation, support the heart, protect bones, and keep you mobile and independent as you age.
Healthy Ageing
He added: “In fact, one of the strongest predictors of healthy ageing is not how much weight you lose, but how much muscle you keep as you get older. That is why doctors worry when older adults lose muscle mass—it is associated with frailty, falls, hospital admissions, loss of independence, and a shorter life expectancy.”
Dr Amir continued: “So perhaps it is time we stop asking, ‘How much do I weigh?’ and instead start asking, ‘How strong am I?’” He suggested asking questions like: Can I carry my shopping? Can I climb the stairs without getting short of breath? Can I get up from the floor easily without holding on to things? Can I keep up with my children or grandchildren?
Exercise Recommendations
He recommended muscle-building exercises such as squats, walking, and using resistance bands. “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 added.
The study authors wrote: “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.”
