The number of calories a person needs depends on age, height, weight, gender, and activity level. People who consume more calories than they burn off in normal daily activity or during exercise are more likely to be overweight. Fats are a concentrated form of energy which help maintain body temperature, and protect body tissues and organs. Fat calories in food are readily stored, while it takes energy to transform protein and carbohydrates to body fat. The only proven way to reduce body fat is to burn more calories than one consumes.
Most saturated fats tend to be solid at room temperature, with the exception of tropical oils.
Butter is high in saturated fat, while margarine tends to have more unsaturated fat. Individuals differ on their absorption of dietary cholesterol, what is important is one's level of blood cholesterol. High blood cholesterol has been linked to the occurrence of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a buildup of fatty deposits in the coronary arteries and other blood vessels, and is a leading cause of heart attacks. Dietary cholesterol is only found in foods from animal sources, including meat, fish, milk, eggs, cheese, and butter.