MariaRD said:The RDA is the wrong reference and it is worth understanding why.
DEXA scan update relevant to protein intake:
Scanned at months 0, 6, and 12. Here are the body comp numbers:
| Baseline | Month 6 | Month 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total mass | 246 lbs | 231 lbs | 213 lbs |
| Fat mass | 116 lbs | 66 lbs | 48 lbs |
| Lean mass | 154 lbs | 153 lbs | 150 lbs |
| Body fat % | 39% | 33% | 22% |
Lean mass preserved — actually GAINED 1-2 lbs thanks to progressive overload + 1.4g/kg protein. The protein intake discussion needs to include body comp data, not just scale weight.