Digesting Fat: Overview

As fat is ingested as food, it is first subjected to mechanical digestion in the mouth and the stomach. The solid materials are broken down to release the fats, which then form fat droplets.

Fat droplets pass through the duodenum and are absorbed in the small intestine.

After absorption, fat is transported to various organs for use or storage.

A burger, french fries, and soda with arrows labeled Path of fat leading through the stomach, duodenum, and small intestine.
Food enters the stomach where fat is released. Fat droplets pass through the duodenum and are absorbed in the small intestine.