What are fats also known as?

Fats are also known as lipids, which is the correct answer. Lipids encompass a broad category of organic compounds that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. This category includes not only fats but also oils, waxes, and certain vitamins. The structural framework of fats allows them to play essential roles in the body, such as providing energy, forming cell membranes, and serving as signaling molecules in various biochemical processes.

Hydrophilic substances refer to molecules that can interact well with water, which does not apply to fats as they are hydrophobic and do not mix with water. Proteins are distinct macromolecules made up of amino acids and serve primarily as building blocks for tissues and enzymes in the body. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, are sugars and starches that primarily provide energy. Thus, understanding that fats belong to the lipid category is crucial in the study of nutrition and biochemistry.