What is the effect of consuming excess protein beyond the body's needs?

Consuming excess protein beyond what the body requires leads to the conversion of that surplus protein into fat for storage. When protein intake exceeds the body’s needs for repairing tissues and making other important compounds, the excess amino acids cannot be stored in their original form. Instead, the body processes them through a metabolic pathway known as gluconeogenesis. In this process, amino acids are converted into glucose, which can then be transformed into fat if there is more glucose available than the body can utilize for energy and immediate metabolic functions. Therefore, the body stores the extra energy as fat.

This physiological response highlights the importance of balancing macronutrient intake according to one’s dietary and energy needs to avoid unnecessary fat gain. The other options are related to different processes or misconceptions regarding protein consumption, but they do not accurately reflect the metabolic consequence of excessive protein intake.