Heart health is not just about the size of your thighs, says BHF

A new study claims that people with thighs over 60cm - or 23.6in - in circumference have a lower risk of heart disease and early death. A team of researchers who studied 3,000 men and women in Denmark says the relationship remains even when body fat, smoking and blood cholesterol are taken into account. Their report suggests that those with narrow thighs may not have enough muscle mass to deal with insulin properly, raising the risk of diabetes and, in turn, heart disease. But in response to the study, published in the British Medical Journal, British Heart Foundation Senior Cardiac Nurse Judy O'Sullivan said: "There is insufficient evidence to confirm that a low thigh circumference affects a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease. "However, low muscle mass is associated with low levels of physical activity which is an established risk factor for developing heart disease. "Rather than focusing on the size of their thighs adults should aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily to help keep their heart healthy."