How do I lose belly fat as a complete beginner?

Start with a calorie deficit, meaning eat slightly less than your body burns each day. You don't need to starve yourself, just reduce portion sizes, cut out sugary drinks, and limit processed foods. Tracking what you eat with a free app like MyFitnessPal helps you stay aware of your intake. Combine this with movement. Walking 30 minutes daily is genuinely effective for beginners and burns more calories than most people expect. Add two or three simple strength training sessions per week, like bodyweight squats, pushups, and planks, because muscle increases your metabolism over time. Sleep and stress management also matter since poor sleep raises cortisol, which promotes fat storage around the belly. Consistency over weeks beats perfection for a few days.