Fat as a More Efficient Energy Source than Glucose

Fat is the most abundant and efficient energy source in the body, producing over 400 ATP from a single triglyceride compared to only 32 ATP from a glucose molecule. While there is a debate on whether glucose produces 34 or 36 ATP, the net ATP is considered 32 due to the ATP used in its production process. Additionally, glucose is heavier to store as it must be bound to four molecules of water, limiting its storage capacity. The body can store roughly 2000 calories in the form of glycogen, with about 400 calories stored in the liver, which can be readily distributed across the body.