Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise reduces visceral fat mass, which results in decreased secretion of inflammatory cytokines from white adipose tissue.

Study: The effects of high-intensity interval training versus continuous moderate-intensity exercise on body composition among older adults with HIV

This study found that moderate exercise helped older adults with HIV lose body fat, and since belly fat is known to cause inflammation, losing it likely means less inflammation too — even though they didn’t measure inflammation directly.

Study: Effects of concurrent training on fat mass and its distribution in individuals with overweight or obesity: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and exploratory regression analysis

This study found that working out regularly (especially with cardio and strength training) helps people lose more belly fat than other kinds of fat. Since belly fat is linked to inflammation, losing it likely helps reduce harmful body chemicals — even though the study didn’t measure those chemicals directly.

Study: Effects of aerobic vs. resistance training on visceral and liver fat stores, liver enzymes, and insulin resistance by HOMA in overweight adults from STRRIDE AT/RT.

This study found that walking or jogging regularly for 8 months shrunk belly fat in overweight people, and since belly fat causes inflammation, less belly fat likely means less inflammation too. Lifting weights didn’t have the same effect.

Study: Effects of exercise interventions on inflammatory biomarker levels in older adults with frailty and/or sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Exercise helped lower one important inflammatory chemical (TNF-α) in older adults, which is exactly what the claim says should happen when you reduce belly fat with exercise. Even though they didn’t measure belly fat directly, lowering this chemical supports the idea that exercise helps reduce inflammation from fat.