Excess consumed energy usually calories from fats or carbs is stored in fat cells in the form of triglycerides. This is how your body preserves energy for future needs. Over time, this excess energy results in a fat surplus that can affect your body shape and health. To promote weight loss, you need to consume fewer calories than you burn. This is referred to as a calorie deficit. Though it varies from person to person, a daily 500-calorie deficit is a good place to start to see noticeable fat loss.