To lose belly fat you need to reduce your overall body fat percentage. Specifically targeting belly fat won't work. Exercise and diet are the only solutions. Running is the best exercise for burning calories and combined with controlling your calorie intake is the most effective way to lose weight. Aim for a slow and steady weight loss of 1 pound per week to lose weight and keep it off permanently. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and find ways to minimize stress. Stress and sleep deprivation can sabotage your weight loss goals.