What is one of the roles of fats in the body?

Fats play several vital roles in the body, and one of their primary functions is to provide energy and support cell growth. Fats are a concentrated source of energy, yielding about nine calories per gram compared to four calories per gram from carbohydrates and proteins. This makes dietary fats an essential energy source, especially for prolonged physical activities where the body turns to fat stores for fuel when carbohydrate availability is limited.

Additionally, fats are crucial for cell growth and maintenance. They are a key component of cell membranes, which consist largely of lipid (fat) layers that help to determine the fluidity and integrity of cells. This is particularly important for the functioning of various bodily systems, including the nervous system, where fatty acids play a significant role in the formation of myelin sheaths around nerves.

The other options present less accurate roles or misconceptions about fats. For example, increasing insulin resistance is generally associated with excessive intake of certain types of fats rather than being a beneficial role of fats in the body. Similarly, while fats are carriers of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), they are not the primary source of these vitamins. Lastly, fats do not inherently replace carbohydrates in an athlete's diet; rather, macronutrient composition is