Protein plays a vital role in muscle growth and weight management, but many people underestimate how much they truly need. This can lead to situations where individuals exercise to lose weight but fail to consume enough protein, resulting in less-than-optimal outcomes.
A general guideline is to aim for 1 gram of protein per pound of your ideal body weight to support muscle growth and maintain your weight. Protein intake becomes even more crucial for those using GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLPs). While these medications can be effective for weight loss, they may also lead to muscle and protein loss, emphasizing the importance of adequate protein consumption.
Women, particularly as they age, also benefit significantly from increased protein intake. Age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, can be mitigated by consuming more protein, which helps preserve muscle mass and combat this condition.
Concerns about protein harming the kidneys are common but largely unfounded for individuals with healthy kidney function. As long as your kidneys are in good condition, consuming protein within recommended levels is safe and beneficial.