The more fat women (aka an apple shape) store in their abdomen, the greater their risk of developing loss-of-control eating, according to research in The American Society for Nutrition. More research is needed to pinpoint a biological mechanism for these findings, but hormones like leptin and adiponectin might be involved. “It’s possible that if a centralized distribution of fat alters those hormonal messages sent to your brain, it could contribute to a drive to keep eating,” says study lead author Laura A. Berner, Ph.D. Although you can’t control where your body holds fat, eating healthy will minimize weight gain and help you maintain a positive outlook.