Protein on a GLP-1: How Much You Need

Last updated October 20, 2026

Short answer: A planning range described for active weight loss is 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (about 0.54 to 0.73 g per pound), or a fixed 80 to 120 grams a day. Both come from a 2025 joint advisory by four nutrition and obesity societies, which also says there is no consensus on which body weight to base the number on. Your clinician or dietitian should set your actual target, especially if you have kidney disease.

Protein calculator

Enter your weight to see the ranges from the advisory. If you know your lean body mass (from a body composition scan, for example), add it for the lean-mass-based figure.

What the advisory actually says

The advisory was written by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association and The Obesity Society. It lists protein as one of its nutrition priorities for people on GLP-1 therapy. These are the figures it gives:

The advisory also says it is unclear whether targets should be based on actual body weight, adjusted or ideal body weight, or lean mass, and that using actual weight can significantly overestimate needs. That is why the calculator above shows several figures instead of one answer.

Why protein comes up on a GLP-1

These medications work partly by reducing appetite. The Wegovy label says semaglutide lowers calorie intake, and the effect is likely mediated by affecting appetite. Eating less overall makes it easier to fall short on protein without noticing. Some of the weight lost on these medications is lean mass, which is why protein and strength training are discussed together. See muscle loss on a GLP-1 for what the body-composition data shows.

Protein alone is not enough

The advisory states that increased protein intake alone is likely inadequate to preserve muscle. It recommends regular strength training at least three times a week, plus at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly.

Who should be more careful

• People with or at risk for kidney problems. The advisory says they should be counseled on preventing dehydration and have kidney function monitored, and a high-protein target should be set with their clinician.
• Older adults, people in perimenopause or menopause, and people with low testosterone or who are sedentary. The advisory flags these groups as more prone to muscle loss, which makes the conversation with a clinician more important.
• Anyone with a medical condition or a restricted diet. A registered dietitian can turn a gram target into meals.

A realistic way to use these numbers

• Treat the calculator as a starting point for a conversation, not a prescription.
• If the weight-based range looks very high for your size, ask which body weight your clinician wants to use.
• Spread protein across meals if your appetite is small, and check food labels for grams per serving.
• Tell your prescriber if nausea or low appetite makes it hard to eat enough. Our side effects guide covers what is common.