De novo lipogenesis

Biochemical process by which the body synthesises fatty acids from non-lipid precursors, mainly excess glucose and fructose. This mechanism occurs mainly in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in adipose tissue. Activated by chronic excess sugars, de novo lipogenesis contributes to increased blood triglycerides, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance. It illustrates why excess sugar, even without obvious overall caloric excess, can have significant metabolic consequences.