Study links legs with livers

Women with short legs may have a higher risk of liver disease, with both probably caused by diet or other factors early in life, British researchers have reported.

Their study of 3600 women showed that the shorter a woman's legs were, the more likely she was to have signs of liver damage. The findings fitted in with other studies linking leg length with diabetes and heart disease, Abigail Fraser, of the University of Bristol, said.

The findings held even when Fraser's team took into account smoking, drinking and other behaviours that can damage a person's liver.

- REUTERS