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How does the liver process fats in the body?

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Diagram showing how epinephrine binding to a beta-adrenergic receptor on a cell membrane activates a G-protein, which then stimulates adenylyl cyclase to convert ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP), leading to physiological effects such as increased heart rate, blood vessel dilation, and glycogen breakdown. — Biochemistry In biochemistry, researchers study the chemical substances and processes that occur in living organisms and cells. In particular, various processes by which cells gain energy, such as epinephrine-stimulated cAMP synthesis, have been deduced through the study of biochemistry.

The liver plays a central role in lipid metabolism, acting as a hub for the synthesis, processing, and distribution of fats within the body. Its functions include:

Bile Production: The liver produces bile, which is essential for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats in the small intestine. Bile salts emulsify fat droplets, allowing enzymes to break them down.12
Energy Metabolism: When glucose and glycogen stores are exhausted, the liver converts fatty acids into acetylcoenzyme A (acetyl CoA) to provide energy. During prolonged fasting, the liver performs $β$ -oxidation to produce ketone bodies, which serve as an energy source for the brain.134
Lipoprotein Synthesis: The liver synthesizes lipoproteins, such as Very Low-Density Lipoproteins (VLDL), which transport triglycerides and cholesterol to peripheral tissues. It also produces High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL), which collect cholesterol from tissues and return it to the liver for excretion as bile acids and salts.156
Storage and Regulation: The liver synthesizes triglycerides for storage when dietary intake of carbohydrates, proteins, or fats exceeds the body's immediate energy requirements.1