De Novo Lipogenesis

De novo lipogenesis is your body’s process of turning excess carbohydrates — especially sugars and refined starches — into fat. Even if you avoid fatty foods, eating too many carbs can still cause your liver to manufacture and store fat, particularly around your belly and organs.

De novo lipogenesis (DNL) is the metabolic pathway by which the liver converts excess dietary carbohydrates — primarily fructose and glucose — into fatty acids via acetyl-CoA, citrate, and key enzymes including acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase. DNL is upregulated by hyperinsulinaemia and high glycaemic-load diets, contributing to hepatic steatosis and visceral adiposity.

DNL is often overlooked in weight management discussions that focus only on dietary fat. Reducing intake of refined carbohydrates and added sugars — common in Singapore’s food culture — directly lowers DNL activity and helps prevent fat accumulation, particularly in the liver.