It is difficult to talk about belly fat without discussing obesity in general. Obesity is the condition where the body accumulates excess fat to the extent that it becomes risky to the person’s overall health. Obesity afflicts over 30% of the US populations and results in over a quarter million deaths each year. This is because obesity and belly fat are linked to cardiac failure, kidney failure, breathing problems, sleeping disorders and a general vulnerability to diseases because of a depressed immune system. Obesity and belly fat also cause low self-esteem because people who are obese are conditioned to think that they are unattractive by media standards. Although exercise is very effective in combating belly fat, dieting can also be key in winning this battle.