What amount of stored fat can be converted to a carbohydrate fuel?

The correct answer is that approximately 5% of stored fat can be converted to carbohydrate fuel. This process occurs primarily when the body requires glucose for energy and is particularly relevant during times of prolonged exercise or caloric deficit.

Stored fat is mainly composed of triglycerides, which are broken down into fatty acids and glycerol. The glycerol component can be converted into glucose through gluconeogenesis in the liver. However, this conversion is limited, with studies suggesting that the proportion of fat that is converted to carbohydrate fuel typically does not exceed 5%.

In contrast, the conversion of fat into glucose is not the primary energy pathway for the body. Instead, the body primarily uses fatty acids for fuel during low-intensity activities and carbohydrates during higher intensity activities. Understanding this energy dynamic is essential in the context of intuitive eating, which focuses on recognizing and respecting natural hunger and satiety cues without restrictive eating patterns. This knowledge also supports the idea that carbohydrates should not be completely avoided as they serve a crucial role in energy production, especially during physical activities.