Macro partitioning
Higher dietary protein intake (1.2 g/kg/d) during weight loss preserves skeletal muscle volume in postmenopausal women with obesity, particularly during the initial 5% body weight loss phase, compared to standard protein intake (0.8 g/kg/d).
If you are a postmenopausal woman losing weight, aim for about 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. This may help protect your muscle volume, especially in the first few pounds lost. However, do not rely on protein alone. To truly preserve muscle, especially if you lose more than 5% of your body weight, you must incorporate resistance exercise. Protein is a support, not a substitute for movement.
The authors showed that muscle volume losses were greater in the WL versus WL-PS group when participants had lost 5% of their body weight, but at 10% of body weight loss, there was no statistical difference between the groups.
Why this rating
Based on a single randomized controlled trial cited in a commentary; the commentary itself notes the small magnitude of loss and short timeframe.
Source
Higher Dietary Protein During Weight Loss: Muscle Sparing?
Stuart M. Phillips · Obesity · 2018
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