And @ Zach,

“Fat is still stored without insulin, but in organs, e.g., the liver and the heart, where fat accumulation damages the organs. I fail to understand how people can study high-fat, low-carb diets so meticulously - down to the umpteenth biochemical process - and inocently overlook this aspect of fat metabolism - it’s biochem 101.”

Citation please? Perhaps a Stryer reference? I’m not a biochemist, but I’d like something a bit less hand-wavy. You make good questions, but I’d like an answer. Thanks.

That’s better than the alternative.

What is typically not discussed is the metabolism of fat without insulin, i.e., where and how fat is stored when the amount eaten is greater than the amount needed to meet energy demands.

Fat is still stored without insulin, but in organs, e.g., the liver and the heart, where fat accumulation damages the organs. I fail to understand how people can study high-fat, low-carb diets so meticulously - down to the umpteenth biochemical process - and inocently overlook this aspect of fat metabolism - it’s biochem 101.

Better for EXCESS calories to be stored as triglycerides in fat cells … best though is not eating more than one needs.

Fat is not stored as muscle in muscle tissue - no amino acids. Fat is not simply excreted if it cannot be stored in fat cells (this has been shown in studies). A high-fat, low-carb diet that exceeds energy needs is simply a faster way to damage organs than eating too many calories with carbs. (Those with fewer fat cells who overeat damage their organs faster due to fats being stored in organs instead of in fat cells - google it.)

The best way to use fat for energy is not to avoid carbs and “reach ketosis,” but to engage in fat-burning (aerobic or “cardio”) exercises - daily. This will strengthen muscles (a great deal of muscle fibers are slow-twitch, aerobic fibers), build greater bone density and achieve numerous other health benefits, e.g., good mental health.

Athletes are living proof of this as most of us - who are the leanest in our society - eat high-carb diets, lean meats, and get adequate Omega-3 fatty acids - not sat fats that indirectly promote arterial plaque (“bad” and “high” cholesterol are hype, but so is the notion of a “low-carb” diet).

I do not doubt your sincerity, but in your elucidation of biochemical processes of fat metabolism you left out such facts as excess fat is stored in organs without insulin to usher fat into fat cells - where excess calories (if you must eat them) belong. Thanks for listening.