Fats contain how many kilocalories per gram?

Fats provide a significant source of energy in the diet, containing approximately 9 kilocalories per gram. This high caloric density is due to the structure of fats, which are made up of triglycerides—molecules composed of glycerol and three fatty acids. The long carbon chains of fatty acids are rich in energy, and when metabolized, they release a considerable amount of energy compared to carbohydrates and proteins, which each provide about 4 kilocalories per gram. Understanding the caloric content of fats is essential for those managing weight and making dietary choices, particularly in the context of obesity medicine, where energy balance plays a crucial role in weight management.