Burning Fat Isn’t Magic: Here’s How It Works Fat metabolism is the process your body uses to break down fat and turn it into energy. It sounds technical, but it is actually something your body does every single day. Whenever you move, breathe, or even sleep, your body needs fuel. Fat is one of the main sources of that fuel. When you eat food, your body stores extra energy as fat. This is normal and healthy. Later, when your body needs energy, it breaks down that stored fat. The fat is converted into smaller parts called fatty acids. These fatty acids travel through your blood to different cells. Inside the cells, they are burned to produce energy. This energy keeps your heart beating and your muscles working. Your body does not burn only fat. It can also burn carbohydrates. The choice depends on what you eat and how active you are. If you eat a lot of sugary foods, your body will mostly use sugar for energy. If you move more and eat balanced meals, your body becomes better at...