Thick Thighs Save Lives
"Thick thighs save lives" is a popular body-positive phrase, suggesting that larger thigh circumference is associated with lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, premature death and more.
Stronger thighs, with higher muscle mass and subcutaneous fat, are thought to aid in better metabolic health, blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular protection.
Ultimately, the phrase implies that having a higher muscle mass and more balanced fat distribution in the thighs, is a significant indicator of long-term health and resilience.
So, how do bigger legs make your life better?
Lower risk of osteoarthritis
Often referred to as “wear and tear”, osteoarthritis is inflammation of a joint, causing pain and discomfort. It involves the gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in the joint.
Recent studies suggest that having more muscle mass in your quadriceps and hamstrings (upper thigh muscles) can reduce the risk of developing knee and hip osteoarthritis, by acting as a shock absorber and reducing mechanical stress on the joints.
Improved quality of life and reduced risk of falls
Age-related decline is inevitable. In older adults, the declines in muscular mass, strength and power have been linked with:
A decrease in quality of life
An increased risk of falling/increased fear of falling
A decrease in your ability to complete daily activities like cooking, walking the dog, cleaning and more
Weakness in the lower limbs may also present limitations in enjoying your favourite activities, particularly in older adulthood.
More muscle = more metabolic power
Your thigh muscles are among the largest and most metabolically active in the body. More lean muscle may result in:
Balanced blood sugar levels, given lean tissue takes in glucose from the bloodstream
A higher resting metabolic rate, meaning your body burns more energy while at rest
Protection against metabolic and cardiovascular disease, given muscle-rich legs are a proxy for overall physical activity and strength
This is where regular exercise is crucial. Targeted lower-body strength exercises help to build and preserve muscle, support joints and help you stay active for many years to come.
If you’re looking to invest in strength, resilience and longevity, have a chat to one of our Exercise Physiologists today, for a tailored approach on how we can best support you.
References
Ahmadiahangar, A., Javadian, Y., Babaei, M., Heidari, B., Hosseini, S., & Aminzadeh, M. (2018). The role of quadriceps muscle strength in the development of falls in the elderly people, a cross-sectional study. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 26, 31. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-018-0195-x
Trombetti, A., Reid, K. F., Hars, M., Herrmann, F. R., Pasha, E., Phillips, E. M., & Fielding, R. A. (2016). Age-associated declines in muscle mass, strength, power, and physical performance: impact on fear of falling and quality of life. Osteoporosis International, 27(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-015-3236-5
Wearing, J., Stokes, M., & de Bruin, E. D. (2019). Quadriceps muscle strength is a discriminant predictor of dependence in daily activities in nursing home residents. PloS one, 14(9). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223016
