A survey published by three of the UK's leading health charities found that 97 per cent of people were unaware that this excess weight generates high levels of oestrogen and chemicals that could increase their risk of cancer, type-2 diabetes and heart disease.
The vast majority of Britons do not realise the extent to which carrying excess weight around their waist could damage their health. Nearly three-quarters of the 2,085 respondents said that they carried excess weight around their middle and 57 per cent of women and 55 per cent of men overestimated the waist measurement at which their risk of poor health increases.
Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director of the British Heart Foundation, revealed: "That 'harmless' spare tyre around your waist is actually a major health hazard.
"While you might be relaxing at home, your fat cells are working overtime to pump out excess hormones and other chemicals that can cause disease."
The charity has launched a joint 'Active Fat' campaign with Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK to raise awareness of the dangers associated with excess weight around your middle.
They are urging people to measure their waistlines and make positive lifestyle changes if necessary.
In addition, the charities want the European Parliament to introduce a single front-of-pack labelling system to help people make healthier food choices.
