Not by themselves.
As we explained on another page, the only factor in weight loss is consuming fewer calories than one needs, regardless of the make up of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. This is true for the inverse - to gain fat, you must consume more calories than you need, regardless of protein, fat, and carbohydrates content.
The process in which carbohydrates are converted into fat deposits is called de novo lipogensis (DNL).
Studies have shown that this process is not easy for the body.[1][2][3][4]
Another study found that eating carbohydrates at night had no negative impact on fat loss.[5]
So while carbohydrates can inhibit fat burning, putting the onus on carbohydrates themselves (instead of excessive calories) as the cause behind fat gain is incorrect.
References
- ^Hellerstein MKDe novo lipogenesis in humans: metabolic and regulatory aspectsEur J Clin Nutr.(1999 Apr)
- ^Hellerstein MKNo common energy currency: de novo lipogenesis as the road less traveledAm J Clin Nutr.(2001 Dec)
- ^McDevitt RM, Bott SJ, Harding M, Coward WA, Bluck LJ, Prentice AMDe novo lipogenesis during controlled overfeeding with sucrose or glucose in lean and obese womenAm J Clin Nutr.(2001 Dec)
- ^Schwarz JM, Neese RA, Turner S, Dare D, Hellerstein MKShort-term alterations in carbohydrate energy intake in humans. Striking effects on hepatic glucose production, de novo lipogenesis, lipolysis, and whole-body fuel selectionJ Clin Invest.(1995 Dec)
- ^Sofer S, Eliraz A, Kaplan S, Voet H, Fink G, Kima T, Madar ZGreater weight loss and hormonal changes after 6 months diet with carbohydrates eaten mostly at dinnerObesity (Silver Spring).(2011 Oct)