Why big thighs save lives

And 5 other reasons to love your wobbly bits!

By Helen Foster, 18/07/2010

Ditch those too big, too small or too chunky thoughts - those bits come with health benefits, too!

Next time you're giving that lucky cow with the Kelly Brook cleavage and Elle Macpherson pins -the evil eye - stop! Turns out our 'eww' areas (yes, even your jigglier-than-J-Lo bum!) could help us live a longer, healthier life. British women think 36 bad thoughts about their bodies a day (with noses and boobs topping the loathe list), according to a recent experiment by ITV's Tonight programme. But, health expert Dr Kem Thompson says: "If there's a part of your body that can't be changed by healthy lifestyle habits, chances are you need that part just as it is." So it's time to get the body bits you hide back on side...

1: Health hero - Barely B-cup boobs

So your bust consists of more padding than anything else? Well, your modest Keira Knightley-sized assets are actually a health benefit. Canadian researchers have found that those with D-cups or larger at 20 years old were one and a half times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later on in life than their flat-chested mates. Experts don't know exactly why, but breast fat is thought to release hormones that make us resistant to the sugar-balancing hormone, insulin. Small boobs also mean you're less likely to suffer aches and pains, too. "Large breasts pull down on the middle of the back, which can cause headaches, backache and neck pain," says physiotherapist Sammy Margo. "If you're big busted, try swimming to firm the muscles that support your breasts."

2: Health hero - Super-sized thighs

You may have palpitations at the mere mention of the words 'hot' and 'pants', but when it comes to lowering your risk of heart disease, being more Beyoncé than Paris Hilton is good news. "Fat on your thighs and hips locks in harmful fatty acids that would otherwise collect around organs, such as your heart, which increases your risk of having a heart attack," says Dr Konstantinos Manolopoulos from the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism. Whatever your thigh size, taking quick bursts of exercise before mealtimes reduces your amount of unhealthy fats. Try taking a 10-minute speedy walk three times a day.

3: Health hero - Lots of moles

You might hate them, but it's time to think of your moles as friends not foes! According to research by King's College London, ladies with 100 or more moles have super-long telomeres. These are DNA structures that stop chromosomes fraying and breaking down - so the longer your telomeres, the slower you'll age. "It could mean fewer age-related diseases, such as heart disease and osteoporosis," says Dr Veronique Bataille, who worked on the trial. But if you're lacking in moles, you're not doomed to premature wrinkling. Doing 15 minutes of vigorous exercise every day keeps telomeres long and healthy. If you notice any changes in your moles, see your GP.

4: Health hero - Being a mini me

You had to endure short-arse taunts at school, but who's laughing now, eh? Petite ladies (if you're under 5ft 6in, that's you) have up to 30 per cent lower risk of skin cancer than taller girls, according to experts at London's St Thomas' Hospital. It's not known why, but science bods believe there's a link between growth hormones and cancers. Until it's proven, eat more garlic - it blocks lipid peroxide, which triggers skin cancer growth*.

5: Health hero - A pearly white complexion

Pale skin reduces your risk of osteoporosis, breast cancer, multiple sclerosis and infertility. These occur less in people rich in vitamin D, and pale skin has higher levels than darker skin.

"We produce vitamin D from UV sunlight, but melanin - which gives dark skin its colour - blocks UV light," says Dr Helen Cooper of Birmingham University.

6: Health hero - Chunky calves

French scientists have proved that people whose calves are large in relation to the rest of their body have less artery-furring than those with leaner limbs, possibly because calf fat is good at removing nasty fats from the bloodstream, stopping them from doing any harm. That doesn't just help your heart; atherosclerosis (as the furring is known) has also been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. If you're still determined to slim your pins, low-carb diet plans, such as the new Atkins diet, have been found to reverse artery clogging by five per cent after two years**.

The capsule curve-loving wardrobe

How to ace all your assets:

1) Slim thighs with tailored trousers: Pleats flatter larger thighs. Trousers, £35, Stone Paper Bags at Oli.

2) Boost small boobs with frills: Give yourself a killer cleavage with flouncy frills and a deep neckline. Top, £25, A Wear.

3) Beautify your bum with an A-line skirt: This shape skims hips and bums while cinching in waists. Skirt, £22, Next.

4) Smooth out chunky calves with a jumpsuit: Skims calves and ankles so they look slimmer. Jumpsuit, £38, Dorothy Perkins.

5) Look taller with a high waist: Petites look great in raised waists as they lengthen legs. Dress, £25, Be Beau at Matalan.