Small Thigh Circumference Is Associated with Cardiovascular Morbidity and Premature Death

Both high and low body-mass indexes are associated with premature death, as are large waist circumference, high waist-to-hip ratio, and small hip circumference. In this prospective observational cohort study, Danish investigators determined the association between thigh circumference and risk for cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease (CHD), and total mortality.

During 1987–1988, about 2800 healthy adults underwent evaluations that included measurement of thigh circumference (measured directly below the gluteal fold of the right thigh). Participants were followed for 10 years for incident CVD and CHD; follow-up for mortality was 12.5 years. Analysis adjusted for various factors (i.e., BMI, physical activity level, waist circumference…