Belly fat is more than a nuisance that makes your clothes feel tight. It’s seriously harmful. This type of fat — referred to as visceral fat — is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes ...

Losing abdominal fat, or belly fat, is a common weight loss goal. Abdominal fat is a particularly harmful type. Research suggests strong links with diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease

But too much belly fat can affect your health in a way that other fat doesn't. Some of your fat is right under your skin. Other fat is deeper inside, around your heart, lungs, liver, and other organs.