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Protein and Water Calculator for GLP-1 Patients: Daily Targets to Protect Muscle and Prevent Dehydration

Daily protein (1.2-1.6 g/kg, higher with resistance training) and fluid targets for patients on tirzepatide or semaglutide, based on the body-composition substudies and dehydration warnings in the labeling.

Editorial review · medical review pending
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Why protein

The DXA substudies of SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 showed that about a quarter (tirzepatide) to two-fifths (semaglutide) of lost weight was lean mass, a proportion in line with diet-induced loss. Adequate protein and resistance training are the two interventions with evidence for preserving muscle during a deficit. Spreading protein across meals (25-40 g per meal) helps when appetite limits portion size. Our lean-mass guide covers the evidence.

Why water

The Zepbound and Wegovy labels warn of acute kidney injury, usually secondary to dehydration from gastrointestinal side effects. The tool estimates a daily fluid target from body weight and reminds you to increase it on days with vomiting or diarrhea and in hot weather. Persistent inability to keep fluids down warrants contacting your clinician.

Frequently asked questions

How much protein should I eat on a GLP-1?

A common target is 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, toward the higher end with resistance training. For a 100 kg (220 lb) person that is 120-160 g daily, which is hard to reach when appetite is suppressed.

Why is hydration a GLP-1 issue?

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea during titration cause fluid loss, and reduced thirst on the medication makes it easy to under-drink. Dehydration is the usual cause of the acute kidney injury cases in the labeling.

Editor's pick · best overall

Editor's pick: NexLife value score 91/100

How the pick is chosen: the highest value score in our database (cost, transparency, flexibility, care and verification) as of September 12, 2026; it changes automatically when the data does. The pick is computed, not sold: NexLife is a commercial partner of this site (named in the ownership disclosure), which is why this module and its links are labeled; the formula can and does place it below cheaper providers (currently 5 of 34 on tirzepatide 12-month cost, 5 of 16 on semaglutide). How the score works · Advertising disclosure.

What every plan includes

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Prices verified, checked September 12, 2026.

Included at no extra cost

  • Provider review and ongoing medical guidance$199Included
  • Personalized nutrition plan (GLP-1 focused)$99Included
  • 1:1 fitness call with a certified wellness coach$79Included

Stated values are NexLife's own figures, not market prices.

Plan pages

Regular protocol Standard injectable plans; the ones our rankings use
Microdose protocol Lower-dose plans; listed in our database, not ranked
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