Mixed
Smaller thigh circumference is independently associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death, with a critical threshold effect below approximately 60 cm.
Measure your thigh circumference. If it is below 60 cm (for women) or 62 cm (for men), you may have an elevated risk for heart disease and premature death, independent of your weight or waist size. This likely reflects lower muscle mass in the legs. Focus on resistance training to build or maintain leg muscle mass, rather than just cardio or weight loss, to potentially mitigate this risk. Consult a doctor for personalized advice, as this is a screening marker, not a diagnosis.
Smaller thigh circumference was independently related to total death and cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases for men and to total death for women... there was a threshold effect in the curves for all end points, suggesting the existence of a critically low thigh circumference. This threshold was 62 cm for both men and women in relation to total mortality... 60 cm in relation to coronary heart disease for women.
Why this rating
Prospective cohort study with long follow-up (10-12.5 years) and adjustment for multiple confounders, but observational design limits causal inference.
Source
Thigh circumference and risk of heart disease and premature death: prospective cohort study
Berit L. Heitmann et al. · BMJ · 2009
DOI 10.1136/bmj.b3292
Related findings · Mixed
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