How many calories per gram do lipids provide?

Lipids provide 9 calories per gram. This number is significant because it reflects the high energy density of fats compared to other macronutrients. Carbohydrates and proteins, for comparison, provide only around 4 calories per gram. The high caloric content of lipids makes them an essential part of the diet, primarily serving as a concentrated source of energy, as well as being involved in various bodily functions such as hormone production and nutrient absorption. Understanding this value is crucial in nutrition as it helps in the formulation of diets, especially when considering energy balance and the overall contribution of dietary fats.