The Science of Weight Loss #5 Muscle Loss During Weight Loss: Why Protein Alone Is Not Enough
Muscle Loss During Weight Loss: Why Protein Alone Is Not Enough Losing Weight but Also Losing Muscle? The Scale Does Not Tell the Whole Story “You’re losing weight—but somehow, you feel weaker.” “Your clothes fit differently, but your body does not look as firm as you expected.” “You are eating more protein, so why does it still feel like you are losing muscle?” These concerns are common during weight loss. The number on the scale may be moving in the direction you hoped for, yet your body may not feel stronger, healthier, or more capable. You may notice that the weights you used to lift feel heavier. Climbing stairs may become more tiring. Your workouts may feel harder to complete. Or your body may simply look softer than you expected despite losing weight. When this happens, many people arrive at the same solution: Eat more protein. Protein is important. Adequate protein intake can help preserve lean mass during weight loss, support recovery after exercise, and provide the amino aci...