Fat metabolism is the process by which the body breaks down fats to use as energy. This occurs primarily in the liver and involves several steps, including lipolysis, where stored fats are converted into fatty acids and glycerol. These components can then enter the bloodstream and be used by various tissues for energy production. During fat metabolism, fatty acids undergo a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the mitochondria of cells. Here, fatty acids are transformed into acetyl-CoA, a molecule that enters the Krebs cycle to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell. This process is essential for maintaining energy balance, especially during periods of fasting or prolonged exercise.