The “spare tire” around your waist may keep you warm in the winter, but it’s hurting your overall health. In addition to increasing your risk of stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, abdominal fat also throws your hormones out of whack.

The more body fat you have – particularly in your abdomen – the higher your estrogen levels. Body fat produces its own estrogen, in addition to the estrogen produced by your ovaries. Usually, this does not cause problems. But when you have a large amount of body fat, you risk raising estrogen levels too high, increasing your risk for breast cancer.

Also, belly fat tends to raise insulin levels – which also has been linked with breast cancer. Another study revealed that abdominal fat can double your risk of premature death – scary! One study showed that women with high levels of belly fat are 45% more likely to have breast cancer.

So what’s the best way to stave off dangerous belly fat? A healthy dose of weekly cardio, strength and regular abs workouts, plus keeping your sugar consumption in check (I recommend no more than 15 grams of sugar a day). And as always water, water and more water.