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- Fat molecules consist of two main components; glycerol and 3 fatty acids in a structure called 'triglycerides'.
- 3 different types of fats; monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated fats. Unsaturated fat include a double bond in the fatty acid structure, as opposed to saturated fats which only possess single bonds. Saturated fats are considered unhealthy as they can pack tightly together which can increase cholesterol levels.
- Trans fats are a subclass of unsaturated fat, whereby the double bond is in a trans spatial orientation as opposed to cis. Also increases cholesterol.

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Fats serve as functions both in the body and in the diet. In the body, fat functions as an important depot for energy storage, offers insulation and protection, and plays important roles in regulating and signalling.

Energy Storage:
- We draw on the energy stored in fat to help meet our basic energy needs when we’re at rest and to fuel our muscles for movement throughout the day
- In comparison to carbohydrates, fats can be used as a larger and more long-term energy reserve, as they store far more amounts of energy in a reduced space

Insulating and Protecting:
- Two types of fat; visceral and subcutaneous fat
- Visceral fat protects vital organs—such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. The blanket layer of subcutaneous fat insulates the body from extreme temperatures and helps keep the internal climate under control

Regulating and Signalling:
- Fats help the body to produce and regulate hormones
- Fats also play important functional roles in sustaining nerve impulse transmission, memory storage, and tissue structure. Lipids are especially focal to brain activity in structure and in function, helping to form nerve cell membranes, insulate neurons, and facilitate the signalling of electrical impulses throughout the brain

Role in diet:
- Aids absorption and increases bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins
- Contributes to the smell and taste of many appetite pleasing foods
- Provides essential fatty acids to the body

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- EAR, RDI or AI for total fat not set as it is type of fat consumed that is important

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-1 gram of fat is equal to approximately 37 kilojoules of energy.

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- 3 major naturally-occurring fats are saturated (found mainly in animal-based foods), monounsaturated (plant-based foods), polyunsaturated fats (plant-based foods)
- Saturated & monounsaturated fats can be synthesised by body so are not required in diet, whereas polyunsaturated fats cannot be formed by body so are essential in diet
- Lack of polyunsaturated fats can lead to rough scaly skin, dermatitis

-Made up of 4-24 Carbons (C in the diagram)
-those that are 18 Carbons long are alpha-linolenic (omega-3) and linoleic (omega-6)