How Do You Compute Protein Needs Using Lean Body Mass?
Lean body mass is what you have left over when the weight of body fat is subtracted from overall body mass. Here’s how you can find out your protein needs based on your lean body mass and your activity level, to make sure you’re getting all the protein you need in your diet. Take body measurements. You will need your height in inches and your weight in pounds. You will also need your neck (smallest point), waist (smallest circumference for women, at navel for men) and hip (widest point) measurements. Use the body mass index calculator at Livestrong.com. This gives you the percentage of your body weight that is fat. Convert this percentage to a decimal number. For example, 25% converts to 0.25. Multiply that number by your total body weight. Now you have total pounds of fat. Subtract pounds of fat from total body weight, and what you are left with is your lean body mass, in pounds. Determine your daily activity level. If you are sedentary, your requirements are 0.5 grams of protein per
