Fat can be defined loosely as a source for energy storage in the human body. The human
anatomy is designed to carry food reserves to ensure the body's survival when food
becomes scarce. However, in our slim-conscious society, many people go to great lengths
to keep fat from accumulating on their bodies, sometimes with harmful effects.
Fat is more efficient in storing energy than carbohydrates for several reasons. First, fat is
a highly concentrated energy source. Second, fat weighs less than the same energy
amount of carbohydrates. Third, fat is much more efficient to carry as an energy source
because it does not hold water as do carbohydrates. For example, an average 70-
kilogram human male normally has about 11 kilograms of fat in his body. This fat
represents enough stored energy to keep him alive for a month without eating. The same
amount of energy stored as starch would double his body weight.
Which view does the passage support?
A. Fats lead to high levels of cholesterol.
B. One heavy meal each day suffices for usual intake.
C. Excessive dieting can be detrimental to one's health.
D. Reserves of fat serve no purpose in the human body.
E. Being obese is healthier than being underweight.