Is it accurate that any nutrient consumed in excess will turn to fat?

The assertion that any nutrient consumed in excess can turn to fat is accurate because the body has a limited capacity for storing macronutrients. When you consume more calories than your body needs for energy, regardless of whether those calories come from carbohydrates, proteins, or fats, the excess is stored as body fat.

Each macronutrient follows a different metabolic pathway, but they all can contribute to fat storage if consumed in surplus. For instance, carbohydrates can be converted to fat through a process called de novo lipogenesis when glycogen stores are full. Similarly, excess protein can also be converted into fat after being used for other bodily functions. Therefore, the underlying principle is that the surplus calories, irrespective of the source, lead to an increase in body fat stores if they exceed the body's energy requirements over time.

Understanding this concept is essential for weight management and the planning of a balanced diet, as it highlights the importance of calorie control and balanced macronutrient intake.