trans fats  are created by pumping hydrogen into unsaturated fats, such as soybean oil.

They’re found in some spread and other products.

These fats have been linked to inflammation, heart disease, insulin resistance and abdominal fat gain in observational and animal studies .

A 6-year study found that high-trans-fat diet gained 33% more abdominal fat than those eating a diet high in monounsaturated fat.

To help reduce belly fat and protect your health, read ingredient labels  carefully and stay away from products that contain trans fats. These are often listed as partially hydrogenated fats.

Alcohol  can have health benefits in small amounts but is seriously harmful if you drink too much.

Research suggests that too much alcohol can also make you gain belly fat.

Observational studies link heavy alcohol consumption to a significantly increased risk of central obesity — that is, excess fat storage around the waist .

Cutting back on alcohol may help reduce your waist size. You don’t need to give it up altogether but limiting the amount you drink in a single day can help.

In a study in more than 2,000 people, those who drank alcohol daily but averaged less than one drink per day had less belly fat than those who drank less frequently but consumed more alcohol on the days they drank .

Protein is an extremely important nutrient for weight control.

High protein intake increases the release of the fullness hormone  PYY, which decreases  appetite and promotes fullness. Protein also raises your metabolic rate and helps you retain muscle mass during weight loss.

Many observational studies show that people who eat more protein tend to have less abdominal fat than those who eat a lower-protein diet.

Be sure to include a good protein source  at every meal, such as fish , whey protein or beans.

Stress can make you gain belly fat by triggering the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, also known as the stress hormone.

Research shows that high cortisol levels increase appetite and drive abdominal fat storage .

What’s more, women who already have a large waist tend to produce more cortisol in response to stress. Increased cortisol further adds to fat gain around the middle .To help reduce belly fat, engage in pleasurable activities that relieve stress. Practicing yoga or meditation can be effective methods.

Remember : to reduce your stress levels to help control your weight.

Sugar contains fructose which has been linked to several chronic diseases when consumed in excess.

These include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease .

Observational studies show a relationship between high sugar intake and increased abdominal fat.

It’s important to realize that more than just refined sugar can lead to belly fat gain. Even healthier sugars, such as real homey, should be used sparingly.

Remember :to limit your sugar intake is crucial.

6. Do Aerobic Exercise (Cardio)

Aerobic exercise (cardio) is an effective way to improve your health and burn calories.

Studies also show that it’s one of the most effective forms of exercise for reducing belly fat. However, results are mixed as to whether moderate-intensity or high-intensity exercise is more beneficial .

In any case, the frequency and duration of your exercise program are more important than its intensity.

One study found that postmenopausal women lost more fat from all areas when they did aerobic exercise for 300 minutes per week, compared to those who exercised 150 minutes per week .

Remember: aerobic exercise is very important to reduce weight.

Reducing your carb intake  can be very beneficial for losing fat, including abdominal fat.

Diets with under 50 grams of carbs per day cause belly fat loss in overweight people, those at risk of type 2 diabetes and women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

You don’t have to follow a strict low-carb diet. Some research suggests that simply replacing refinded carbs  with unprocessed starchy carbs may improve metabolic health and reduce belly fat .

In the famous Framingham Heart Study, people with the highest consumption of whole grains were 17% less likely to have excess abdominal fat than those who consumed diets high in refined grains

Remember : refined carbs are linked to excess abdominal fat.

8. Replace Some of Your Cooking Fats.

Resistance training, also known as weight lifting or strength training, is important for preserving and gaining muscle mass.

Based on studies in people with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease, resistance training may also be beneficial for belly fat loss .

In fact, one study in overweight teenagers showed that a combination of strength training and aerobic exercise led to the greatest decrease in visceral fat.

If you decide to start lifting weights, it’s a good idea to get advice from a certified personal trainer.

Remember: weight training can do wonders for reducing weight.(check with your doctor or pro first.

Soluble fiber absorbs water and forms a gel that helps slow down food as it passes through your digestive system.

Studies show that this type of fiber promotes weight loss by helping you feel full, so you naturally eat less. It may also decrease the number of calories your body absorbs from food .

What’s more, soluble fiber may help fight belly fat.

An observational study in over 1,100 adults found that for every 10-gram increase in soluble fiber intake, belly fat gain decreased by 3.7% over a 5-year period .

Make an effort to consume high-fibre foods every day. Excellent source of soluble   fibre include flax-seed , Brussels sprouts, avocados , legumes and blackberries.

Remember: to Always include fibre in your diet, it also promotes fullness.

There are no magic solutions to losing belly fat.

Weight loss always requires some effort, commitment and perseverance on your behalf.

Successfully adopting some or all of the strategies and lifestyle goals discussed in this article will definitely help you lose the extra pounds around your waist.

*Consult with a professional before trying any of the above tips.