The metabolic pathway by which the body converts excess dietary carbohydrates, specifically glucose and fructose, into fatty acids. This process occurs primarily in the liver and to a lesser extent in adipose tissue. When glycogen stores are saturated and insulin levels are high, the liver begins to synthesize new fat molecules, which are then packaged into very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and transported for storage.
High rates of de novo lipogenesis are a major contributor to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and elevated blood triglycerides. This pathway is particularly stimulated by the consumption of refined sugars and high-fructose corn syrup, making it a central mechanism in the progression of obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
The definitive guide by Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN