Dr Amir Khan says part of body could predict how long you'll live

Dr Amir Khan says part of body could predict how long you'll live He recommended certain exercises to help increase your life expectancy A doctor has revealed that a certain body part could predict how long you’ll live. According to the expert, your thighs could hold the key to healthy ageing. In a video uploaded to social media platform Instagram, Doctor Amir Khan explained why “thicker thighs really do save lives.” Dr Amir, who is best known for his appearances on ITV, said that people with smaller thighs could have a “significantly” higher risk of heart disease and premature death. This is not to do with the amount of fat on your body, but rather the amount of muscle. Dr Amir said: “We've been told to focus on weight to make ourselves smaller to lose inches, to get rid of fat. “But what if one of the biggest predictors of your future health isn't how much fat you're carrying, it's how much muscle you have?” As part of his argument, he referenced a study, published in the British Medical Journal in 2009. “A brilliantly fascinating study, published in the BMJ, followed thousands of people for over a decade and found that those with small thighs had a significantly higher risk of heart disease and premature death,” he said. “Now, this isn't because bigger thighs are magically protective. “It's because your thighs contain some of the largest and most important muscles in your body and muscle is far more than something that helps you look toned. Muscle is your body's metabolic powerhouse.” Dr Amir said your muscles can help: - Control your blood sugar - Improve insulin activity - Regulate inflammation - Support your heart - Protect your bones - Keep you mobile and independent as you age He said: “In fact, one of the strongest predictors of healthy ageing isn't how much weight you lose, it’s how much muscle you keep as you get older. That's why doctors worry, when older adults lose muscle mass, it's associated with frailty falls, hospital admissions, loss of independence, and a shorter life expectancy.” Dr Amir continued: “So perhaps it's time we stop asking, ‘How much do I weigh?’ and instead let's start asking, ‘How strong am I?’” He also said the following questions are important: - Can I carry my shopping? - Can I climb the stairs without getting short of breath? - Can I get up from the floor easily without having to hold on to things? - Can I keep up with my children or grandchildren? He added: “Because thicker thighs are associated with better long-term health outcomes when it comes to your heart. So, the goal isn't to be skinny, the goal is to be strong enough to live the life you want to for as long as possible.” He therefore recommended muscle-building exercises such as squats, walking, and using resistance bands. “Every bit of strength training is like putting money into your pension for your health and trust me, your future self will thank you for it,” he added. In the study referenced by Dr Amir, authors wrote: “Low thigh circumference seems to be associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease or premature death. The adverse effects of small thighs might be related to too little muscle mass in the region. The measure of thigh circumference might be a relevant anthropometric measure to help general practitioners in early identification of individuals at an increased risk of premature morbidity and mortality.”