Eli5: why do people say to get at least 1g of protein for desired body weight when it comes to losing weight?

Question

Eli5: why do people say to get at least 1g of protein for desired body weight when it comes to losing weight?

In: 18

Answer 1

When you lose weight you will always lose muscle along with fat. Your body will break both down for nutrients.

Muscle contains a lot of protein, and fat doesn’t. If you cut down your caloric intake, you may end up with a protein deficit and your body will turn to muscle to get that protein.

So a very high protein diet will help to minimize the amount of muscle your body breaks down instead of fat.