People with larger thighs and hips live longer, study suggests

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Excess fat around the waist is linked to a higher risk of early death than overall body fat but larger hips and thighs are associated with a lower risk, new research suggests. Measuring so-called "central fatness" and using it alongside body mass index (BMI) could help to determine the risk of premature death, scientists said.

Researchers said previous work in this area looking at the association between waist circumference and total mortality risk has produced "inconsistent results" and that their work is the most extensive to date. They said their work shows that people should focus on their waist, rather than just BMI or weight.