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Protein floor · 390 lb

Protein at 390 lb

About 212 to 283 grams a day while losing weight.

Clinician review pending Updated
Weight-loss range
212–283g/day
1.2–1.6 g/kg
RDA minimum
142g/day
0.8 g/kg
Per meal (3 meals)
71g
floor
Athletes
283–354g/day
1.6–2.0 g/kg
Show the math
Floor = 176.9 kg × 1.2 g/kg = 212 g
Top = 176.9 kg × 1.6 g/kg = 283 g

Protein by goal weight

Many clinicians base targets on goal weight for people with obesity. Here's both.

Based onFloor (g)Top (g)Floor per meal
Now (390 lb)21228371
Goal 351 lb (−10%)19125564
Goal 331 lb (−15%)18024160
Goal 312 lb (−20%)17022657

What 71 g per meal looks like

FoodProteinServings per meal
Chicken breast, cooked, 3 oz26 g2.7
Canned tuna in water, 3 oz20 g3.5
Cottage cheese, low-fat, 1 cup28 g2.5
Greek yogurt, plain nonfat, 6 oz17 g4.2
Firm tofu, 1/2 cup20 g3.5
Lentils, cooked, 1 cup18 g3.9
Large egg6 g11.8

Approximate values from USDA FoodData Central.

On a GLP-1 medicine

With a smaller appetite it's easy to fall short. Eat the protein part of each meal first, and spread it across the day. Pair it with strength training 2 to 3 days a week to protect muscle. More: protein on a GLP-1.

Explainer · 0:22

WHAT THE SCALE HIDES −30 lb where the lost weight came from fat lean mass: ~25% to 40% PROTECT IT + protein at every meal + lifting 2 to 3 days a week THE FLOOR 180 lb = 81.6 kg 81.6 × 1.2 to 1.6 g 98 to 131 g protein a day SPLIT IT UP 30–45 g 30–45 g 30–45 g breakfastlunchdinner on a GLP-1: eat the protein part first 0:22 · voiced · captions on
Not all the weight you lose is fat. In trial body scans, roughly a quarter to two-fifths of weight lost on GLP-1s was lean mass.
0:00 / 0:22
The protein floor, in 20 seconds
Read the transcript
  1. Not all the weight you lose is fat. In trial body scans, roughly a quarter to two-fifths of weight lost on GLP-1s was lean mass.
  2. Eating enough protein and doing strength training both help protect that muscle while the weight comes off.
  3. A common target while losing weight is 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram a day. At 180 lb that's about 98 to 131 grams.
  4. Split it across meals. About 30 to 45 grams at each of three meals is far easier than catching up at night.

Nearby weights

Protein at 360 lbProtein at 370 lbProtein at 380 lbProtein at 400 lb

Common questions

How much protein should a 390 lb person eat?

About 212 to 283 grams a day while losing weight (1.2 to 1.6 g/kg). The RDA minimum is about 142 g.

How much protein per meal at 390 lb?

About 71 g at each of three meals to reach the floor.

Is too much protein harmful?

For most healthy adults these ranges are considered safe. People with kidney disease need individual advice.

Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a registered dietitian before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error