Why protein matters more on treatment
GLP-1 and GIP medicines work by reducing how much you want to eat. That is the point — but a smaller appetite means a smaller protein intake unless you plan for it. Muscle is metabolically expensive tissue, and the body is happy to give it up during a deficit if it is not being asked to keep it.
A target you can actually use
| Target weight | Lower target | Upper target |
|---|---|---|
| 60kg | 72g | 96g |
| 70kg | 84g | 112g |
| 80kg | 96g | 128g |
| 90kg | 108g | 144g |
Use your target weight rather than your current weight — it keeps the number realistic and stops it drifting upward as you lose.
Hitting it with a small appetite
- Protein first, always. If you only manage half the plate, make it the half that counts.
- Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, eggs and skyr are dense and easy when nothing appeals.
- A shake is a legitimate meal on a bad day, not a failure.
- Cold protein is often easier than hot when you feel nauseated.
- Batch-cook so the decision is already made when your appetite is low.
Questions people ask
Can you have too much protein?▾
For healthy adults, intakes in this range are well tolerated. If you have reduced kidney function or another condition affecting protein handling, get an individual target from your clinician rather than following a general guideline.
Do protein shakes count?▾
Yes. Whole food is preferable for fibre and micronutrients, but on treatment the practical question is whether you hit your target at all. A shake on a low-appetite day is far better than missing 40 grams.
Should I count calories as well?▾
Most people on treatment do not need to. The medicine handles the deficit. Tracking protein alone is usually enough structure, and it is a habit people can actually sustain.
What if I am vegetarian or vegan?▾
It is achievable but needs planning: soya, seitan, tofu, tempeh, pulses and a plant protein powder. Aim slightly higher than the lower target, since plant proteins are less efficiently used than animal sources.
- Appetite support alongside a protein-led eating plan
- Reviews every four weeks with a named prescriber
- Dose held or reduced whenever it needs to be
- Clinical team reachable seven days a week
