The dreaded middle-age spread raises the risk of women fracturing their bones, a study suggests.
Experts from Canada followed 20,000 men and women aged 40 to 70 for six years.
They found every extra two inches (5cm) on a woman's waist increased their risk of breaking a bone by up to 7 per cent.
Researchers said the finding has 'major implications for public health' and goes against the idea fat people have stronger bones due to extra body weight increasing bone density.
The study found for every extra two inches (5cm) on a woman's waist was linked to a 7 per cent higher risk of suffering a below-knee fracture and 3 per cent higher risk of a break of any kind.
Experts say they suspect fatter women were less able to rebalance from a potential fall due to the extra weight on their waists.
This put their ankles, which aren't cushioned by any soft tissues, at risk of breaking if they fell.
The NHS says women should try to keep their waistline below 31.5in (80cm).
But as 70 per cent of women in England have a waistline above that, it suggests the majority are at a greater risk of fractures.
Canadian experts say every two inches on a woman's waistline increased her chance of breaking a bone in her lower leg by 7 per cent (stock image)
The study, carried out by researchers from Laval University in Quebec, involved 9,985 women and 9,372 men.
Participants were recruited between 2009-2010 and followed for about six years, in which time over 800 suffered a fracture.
The location of these breaks, and the patient's waist circumference and BMI, were then analysed to measure the difference in fracture risk.
While waistline was described as the biggest factor in a women's risk of a fracture, they found women with a higher BMI were also at greater risk.
Women with a BMI of more than 40 — considered obese — were 40 per cent more likely to suffer a fracture below their knee than those with a BMI of 25, considered healthy.
In England, 29 per cent of women fall into the fattest category.
Women with a BMI of 27.5, who are considered overweight, had a 5 per cent increased risk of a lower limb fracture compared to women with a healthy BMI.
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