Many of the same strategies for general weight loss will help you lose belly fat. In addition, research shows that combining a healthy diet with exercise is more effective in helping you lose abdominal fat than just dieting alone. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) seems to be particularly effective in reducing what's also known as visceral fat. Regarding diet, intermittent fasting, and eating protein seem more effective for losing visceral fat. That said, everyone stores fat in different places, so it isn't possible to target certain areas for weight loss.