What's the expert opinion, could the elliptical help me lose belly fat?

It depends: Upon the number of calories burned up that you don't eat, not the type of exercise. It's 3500 calories to the pound. Any exercise can be effective, except your body will choose where to lose the fat and you can't direct it to a specific place.

Spot fat loss does : Not occur naturally. By losing weight in general some will probably be abdominal fat. But, we don't get to choose what area of body fat is lost from. Eat healthy ; be physically active. Calories burned must > those consumed. Tighten ab's: crunches, reverse crunches, exercise ball crunches, pelvic thrusts, lying leg raises, side bridge ; “bicycling” exercise on back. Do regular aerobic exercise.