While we're all pretty accustomed to measurements of our hips and waists to predict disease risk and death, here's a new one that's just come on the health radar screen: thigh circumference.

A new Danish study published in the British Medical Journal (now called the "BMJ") looked at thigh measurements, and other biological markers, for more than a decade in close to 3000 Danish men and women. For those with a thigh circumerefence of less than 23.6 inches (the weird number comes from the conversion from the 60 centimeter cut-off observed in the study), cardiovascular disease and death were more likely to occur. In case you're wondering, the measurement was made at the widest part of the thigh, just below the buttocks.

Here's where it's important to read beneath the headlines. While increased risk was noted in those with reduced thigh circumference - "skinny" legs - there was no health plus for those with thighs bigger than 23.6 centimeters.

Why it's not clear why thigh circumference is important, there are a few reasons why this might be so. Skinny thighs could mean less muscle mass; or the "apple" body shape of skinny legs and a round torso. Both have been linked to health risk.

When it comes to body site measurements of all types, I like to tweak the story of the Goldilocks and the Three Bears......not too big, not too small, but just right!

Avoiding extremes in our lifestyle habits is key to optimal health. What do you think?