If you stop exercising for even a short period of time, belly fat will accumulate quickly, a new study reports. Researchers from Center of Inflammation and Metabolism analyzed the physical activity of 10 men who on average walked 6000 to 10,000 steps a day. When their steps were cut down to 1,500 per day for two weeks, their belly fat rose by 7 percent. 

Many experts refer to belly fat—also known as visceral fat—as the most dangerous fat a person can have. It has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, metabolic syndromes and insulin resistance. Past research shows that exercise, especially walking 10,000 steps a day, will burn stubborn belly fat.

How many steps do you take a day? Track your steps daily with a pedometer.