belly fat? Why is it so important to take control of your midsection? Aside from aesthetics, fat. Large waistlines are indicators of multiple conditions and diseases. But how do you lose it? Unfortunately, it does take more than just crunches. But to get rid of it, it may help you to understand a little more about where it comes from in the first place: One source of belly fat is obvious: lifestyle. A poor diet and/or lack of exercise can influence the accumulation of fat cells. Another source of belly fat are genes – look at your parents/relatives. If they tend to have more belly fat, you probably will, too.