Do crunches really help me lose the stomach fat?

There is no such thing as spot targeting. Crunches help you become active overall, but will not necessarily help lose stomach fat. Running will help just as much. You could try to build up more muscles as well, this will help burn off more calories, as muscles remain a bit active at the end of your workout versus fat which just sits there being fat and sassy.

I am a believer that a complete exercise routine is best. A bit of cardio and a bit of strength training. So I would keep going at the treadmill and incorporate some body weight (pushups, plank holds [THESE are great for your abs], sit ups, burpees) and/or resistance band work.

Crunches will firm your abdominal muscles, making you appear to have less fat, but will not actually cause fat loss. If you are running regularly and eating well, then crunches will certainly improve your appearance. When you do a cardio, you boost your metabolic rate -temporarily – after a few hours it drops back again. I have found that a smaller amount of cardio, morning and evening, to be far more effective than a longer period at one time during the day.

No. Crunches will strengthen your stomach muscles under the fat and depending on if you’re short waisted or not, crunches might bulk you up in the middle. As you lose body fat, look to exercises to lengthen and stretch your muscles as well as strengthening them.
I’m assuming you’re female and assuming you want a lean look over a “cut” look

What everybody above me said.

BTW, if you do crunches, make sure to also do exercises for your lower back to keep the muscles balanced. It will help keep you from having lower back pain.

I see it’s all been addressed already.

Infomercials and health magazines want you to believe in targeted fat loss because it might mean you’ll buy their product if the last targeting method didn’t work and you’re desperate for something “new”.

You can increase muscle definition by lowering body fat (which happens all over) and increasing muscle, but you can’t spot reduce. And just doing crunches+running means you’ll have a thick, muscular middle and skinny, shapeless limbs. You’re better off with full body resistance training and cardio.

@DarkScribe I actually run 2. some miles at midday, and then another 2. some miles at night, and i try to eat healthy during the week but in the weekends i have some of the food that i like, such as buffalo wings, lol!!! and it is working pretty good for me… But i think its time to do something more besides running.