Macros- always over on fat. Big deal or not?

How much over are we talking? A few grams...probably no big deal.

If you're going over so much that you're significantly depriving yourself of proteins and carbs, then maybe it's an issue.

Generally speaking, if you're getting somewhere at least of 0.7-0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight and 0.3-0.4 grams of fat per pound of body weight on average, a few grams in either direction isn't going to have any noticeable effect.

I wouldn't be worried about going over 20% fat, which is probably too low for you. That said, don't go by percentages, but rather the actual grams that MFP is suggesting with those percentages.

As an example, let's say a person is 170 pounds with a TDEE of 1900 calories per day to maintain their current weight. To lose weight, subtract 10-20% from TDEE -- or 1520-1710 calories per day in this case as a range for safe & healthy weight loss.

Macro Recommendations:

• A range of 0.60-0.80 grams protein per 1 lb. bodyweight = 102-136 grams protein per day (unless obese).
• A minimum of about 0.40-0.45 grams dietary fat per 1 lb. bodyweight = 68-77 grams dietary fat per day (unless obese).
• Nutritious, high fiber carbs or any macro of your choice to fill in the rest of your daily caloric load.

Caloric Load of Macronutrients (per gram):

Protein = 4 calories per gram
Dietary Fat = 9 calories per gram
Carbs = 4 calories per gram

So let's do some math...

102-136 grams protein = 408-544 calories
68-77 grams dietary fat = 612-693 calories

Total = 1020-1237 calories just to fulfill the protein and dietary fat macros.

So, the person cutting on 1520-1710 calories per day would still have several hundred calories leeway until they exceed their cap of 1710 calories. And they could obtain those calories from any macro they prefer. However, it would be wise to focus on nutritious, high fiber foods and fruits and vegetables of variety of colors. Dietary fat would be my next recommendation simply because 0.40 g/1 lb. is near the bare minimum of what a non-obese person should be getting per day.

Good luck!

I'm always over on fat at the expense of carbs. Not a problem

I'm very, very new to the idea of macro's. My personal trainer suggested I eat only 40g of carbs per day. This in itself was totally and utterly unsustainable and restrictive for me since my breakfast alone is a good 20g of carbs so I completely disregarded his advice. I'm not an expert on anything nutrition based so I have no idea how sticking to my macro's will help me reach my goals so for now, I'm not overly obsessing over them. I concentrate on my deficit and work hard at the gym - and I see results. I am over my 'carb allowance' and under my 'fat allowance' every single day. I try to fit a nice bit of protein in if I can. But I certainly don't count my macro's as well as my calories. To me, that's simply not realistic.

If Macro's are something you are actively counting for your own reasons, then I'd definitely take the advice of the experts above ^^ - But I think if your goal is primarily fat loss/weight loss based, a deficit is more than adequate and I wouldn't worry too much if you are over or under here and there.