It turns out that thicker thighs could be the key to a long, healthy life.
Researchers have linked greater thigh strength and size to a lower risk of heart disease. diabetescognitive decline and overall death.
The thigh muscles, including the quadriceps, are among the largest and most powerful muscles in the body. They stimulate daily movements and at the same time help support and protect our joints.
In addition to supporting daily mobility, strong thighs can serve a greater purpose: better overall health and longevity.
A five-year study published in The American Journal of Medicine examined the link between thigh strength and mortality in people with coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
Researchers studied 1,314 people with coronary artery disease, mostly men with an average age of 65, who had been hospitalized or had surgery for the condition.
The participants’ quadriceps strength was measured using a dynamometer, a device that measures force by having them push against it with their legs as hard as possible.
They then compared leg strength to body weight to see how strong each participant’s legs were for their height.
Several studies have shown that having big, strong thighs can increase your lifespan
Researchers followed the participants for the next five years, and during that period 118 people died from any cause, including 63 from cardiovascular disease.
The team found that people with 10 percent greater relative leg strength (leg strength compared to their body weight) had a 23 percent lower risk of death overall, and a 34 percent lower risk of dying from heart-related causes.
‘Skeletal muscle weakness promotes exercise intolerance and physical inactivity. Reduced physical activity itself has been shown to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and frailty,” the study said.
The study added: ‘Importantly, resistance training can increase muscle strength, muscle mass and functional capacity.’
Thigh size can also protect against serious health problems. A 2020 study published in Endocrine Connections linked greater thigh circumference to a lower risk of high blood pressure, especially in overweight people.
Researchers recruited 9,520 adults aged 40 and older from a larger Chinese community. They measured both thighs and took the average circumference.
The participants’ blood pressure was measured three times, with the average recorded. They were then divided into three groups based on thigh size – small, medium and large – and their blood pressure was compared.
Rates of high blood pressure generally decreased as thigh size increased, especially among overweight and obese people in the study.
Movements like squats and deadlifts target the quads, hamstrings and glutes simultaneously and can help build muscle mass in the legs
After taking into account factors such as age, waist size, smoking and medical history, researchers found that people with larger thighs had about a 49 percent lower risk of high blood pressure compared to people with small legs.
In fact, a 2018 study found that stronger legs in adults ages 60 to 85 were linked to better brain function.
The study, published in the Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, evaluated the leg strength of 1,508 participants using a dynamometer.
They were then given a two-minute cognitive test where they matched specific symbols to numbers using a specified reference key.
The participants’ scores were compared and researchers found that people with stronger legs performed better on the cognitive test.
To improve overall health and well-being, strength training is the best way to build thigh muscle.
Compound movements such as squats, leg presses, deadlifts and lunges can build muscle to support everyday movements, especially as you get older. Aerobic exercises such as cycling, walking and yoga can also improve flexibility, mobility and endurance.
