What happens to fats that are not immediately needed for energy?

When fats are not immediately needed for energy, they are stored as lipids. This process occurs primarily in adipose tissue, where triglycerides—formed from glycerol and fatty acids—accumulate. This storage mechanism allows the body to save energy for future use. During periods of energy deficit, such as fasting or intense physical activity, these stored lipids can be mobilized and converted back into fatty acids to be used for energy production.

The other options involve processes that do not occur with excess fats. For example, converting fats to amino acids is not a typical metabolic pathway; fats and proteins are metabolically distinct. Excretion is not a method of managing excess fats either, as they are utilized for vital functions, including insulation and nutrient absorption. Lastly, while fats can contribute to glucose production under certain circumstances (like during gluconeogenesis), they are not directly transformed into carbohydrates for immediate energy needs. Thus, storage as lipids is the primary fate of excess fats.