Saturated fat. Molecular model of palmitic acid triglyceride, a saturated fat. This fat (formula: C51H98O6) is made up of three palmitic (or hexadecanoic) acid molecules joined by ester linkages to a glycerol molecule. Atoms are shown as spheres and are colour-coded: carbon (yellow), hydrogen (white) and oxygen (red). Triglycerides are used in living organisms as a store of energy in the form of fat. When extra energy is required, the triglycerides can be broken down, releasing more energy than is gained from carbohydrates or proteins. However, excess consumption of fats can lead to health problems such as hypertension.