Dietary Protein
This is not a substitute for direct care by YOUR doctor. Confirm with your doctor before doing any of the following.
- Your daily recommended protein intake is based on your age, sex, height / weight, and health status
- The “PROTEIN CALCULATOR” link below can give you an estimate of your protein needs and your other nutrient needs as well
- An easy estimate is: daily protein need in grams = (your weight in pounds / 2.2) * 0.8
OR
daily protein need in grams = your weight in Kg * 0.8
- Protein needs can be affected by your health, especially conditions in your kidneys and heart, so always ask your doctor before making dietary changes
- There is some data that increasing the amount of protein in your diet to 1 - 2 grams of protein per lb of body weight can facilitate weight loss IF this is combined with an exercise regimen to include resistance training. This should ONLY be done under the guidance of your physician
Bagot S, Pereira B, Miles-Chan J, Gryson C, Chanséaume Bussière E, Duclos M, Thivel D, Isacco L.
The habitual degree of weight loss might be associated with specific fat and protein intakes during a period of weight maintenance in athletes used to weight variations: preliminary results from the WAVE study. Nutr Res. 2024 Sep;129:14-27. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2024.07.009. Epub 2024 Jul 30.
DRI Calculator for Healthcare Professionals https://www.nal.usda.gov/human-nutrition-and-food-safety/dri-calculator. Accessed June 6, 2025.
Ruiz-Castellano C, Espinar S, Contreras C, Mata F, Aragon AA, Martínez-Sanz JM. Achieving an Optimal Fat Loss Phase in Resistance-Trained Athletes: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2021 Sep 18;13(9):3255. doi: 10.3390/nu13093255. PMID: 34579132; PMCID: PMC8471721.