Protein and GLP-1

Adults who have been prescribed a GLP-1-based medicine by their doctor and want to make sure they're eating enough protein. It's general nutrition information drawn from published guidance, not advice about any medicine. Questions about your medicine belong with your prescriber.

If your appetite is smaller than it used to be, total food intake can drop a lot, and protein often drops with it. Published guidance notes that when weight is lost quickly and intake is substantially reduced, some of the weight lost can be lean tissue, including muscle. That's why it puts getting enough protein, alongside strength training, near the top of its priorities [1][2].

• While actively losing weight: about 1.2–1.5g per kg of body weight per day [2].
• During weight maintenance: at least 0.8g per kg per day [2].
• Adults 65 and over: at least 1.0–1.2g per kg per day [2].
• A simpler alternative: an absolute target of 80–120g a day [1].

The joint advisory also notes that protein shouldn't fall below about 0.4–0.5g per kg a day, and that very high intakes over long periods should be avoided [1]. Get your own range with our GLP-1 protein calculator.

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals and snacks, each with a protein source.
• Eat the protein part of your meal first.
• Choose foods with a lot of protein for their size: Greek yoghurt, eggs, cottage cheese, chicken, fish and tofu.
• The guidance notes that protein shakes or bars can help some people reach their target when appetite is low [1]. Check with your doctor first if you have kidney problems.
• For recipes, see our small high-protein meals, each with 20–30g of protein in a smaller portion.
• Track for a few days to see where you're actually landing. Most people are surprised how far short they are.

Both publications pair protein with regular resistance exercise, such as weights, bands or bodyweight work [1][2]. The advisory is clear that more protein on its own isn't enough [1]. If you're new to it, a GP, exercise physiologist or physiotherapist can help you start safely.

• You're regularly struggling to eat or drink enough.
• You have kidney disease or another condition that affects how much protein you should eat.
• You're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• You want a personal plan built around your medicine, appetite and goals.

An Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is the right professional for a personal nutrition plan in Australia [3][4]. Your GP can also refer you.