What is the energy yield of fats per gram?

Fats are a significant source of energy for the body, providing a high caloric yield compared to carbohydrates and proteins. Each gram of fat yields approximately 9 calories when metabolized. This high energy content makes fats an efficient fuel source, especially during prolonged physical activity or in situations where energy efficiency is essential, such as endurance sports.

In contrast, carbohydrates and proteins yield fewer calories per gram; carbohydrates yield about 4 calories per gram, while proteins also yield around 4 calories per gram. This difference is crucial for understanding dietary choices and energy balance, particularly in fitness and nutrition contexts. Additionally, the higher caloric density of fats allows them to be more compact sources of energy, which can be beneficial in meal planning and sports nutrition.