Does Fat Make You Fat?

When it comes to our bodies, fat serves an incredibly important purpose.

1. It fuels our brain. – Our brains are nearly 60 percent fat. Omega 3-fatty acids are the essential building blocks of our brain and they're important for learning and memory. Foods which are full of monounsaturated fat, “good fats”, such as olive oil, nuts, or avocado, help improve cognitive function and overall health. When we eat these foods, we’re providing a way for our body to absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D and E.
2. It provides energy. – Fats, a.k.a. Lipids, store energy in the body. When we consume excess energy, our body converts it to lipid form and stores it for later. In addition to storing energy, lipids store key nutrients for use later.
3. It protects us. - Fat deposits also help to insulate the body, cushion, and protect vital organs. They act as the bubble wrap around our organs. 

We can definitely have too much of a good thing, though. Many have learned that when we carry too much body fat, we feel uncomfortable. We feel hot, sweaty and out of breath while performing every day tasks. Frustration at not being able to sit comfortably on an airplane or amusement park ride. Some experience joint pain, back pain or shortness of breath. Others experience more life threatening issues such as insulin resistance, impaired fatty acid metabolism, diabetes, high blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk. This discomfort is frustrating and can make you feel as though there’s no way out.

Eating fat doesn’t make you fat. 

Eating too much food makes you fat.

Our bodies are incredibly efficient machines. 

They do not waste a single ounce of energy. If you give your body too much fuel, in the form of fat, carbohydrates or protein, it will eventually convert it all to lipid form and store it for later.