Protein and high-protein eating

What experts say about protein with a GLP-1 medicine

The 2025 advisory gives several reference points. The standard U.S. recommended allowance for adults is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. Higher targets of 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg a day have been proposed during active weight loss, and 1.2 to 1.7 g/kg for people doing strength training. Intake below about 0.4 to 0.5 g/kg a day risks muscle loss, and staying above 2 g/kg for long periods should be avoided.

It also says the right body weight to use is unclear, because actual weight can overstate the need in people with obesity. As a practical shortcut it mentions a fixed target of 80 to 120 grams a day. As arithmetic only, 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg for someone weighing 90 kg works out to 108 to 144 grams, which shows why a fixed range is sometimes used instead. Your own number is a question for a dietitian.

The advisory is firm that extra protein alone is likely not enough to protect muscle without structured strength training, and that protein beyond what muscles need can be converted to fat by the liver. For people with a history of kidney stones it advises avoiding high-oxalate foods, highly processed foods and animal-source proteins.

On electrolytes, the Atlas found no trial or guideline recommending electrolyte supplements for people on these medicines. What the official Wegovy and Zepbound labels do say is that vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration can lead to acute kidney injury, so persistent fluid loss is a reason to call your prescriber.