Abdominal fat is deadly! It increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and promotes premature death. Most woman carry fat on their butts and thighs, but accumulate abdominal fat as they age. A University of Alabama study found that doing only 80 minutes of aerobics or weight training per week prevented abdominal fat gain, one year after a weight loss program. Woman who stopped exercising increased abdominal fat by 33 percent. Regular, moderate-intensity exercise helps you lose dangerous abdominal fat and keep it off.

Obesity, in press; published online October 8, 2009