Tag: Muscle maintenance diet

Approximately one pound of muscle burns 4.5 to 7 calories per day at rest, a significantly higher metabolic rate than fat tissue. Understanding **how many calories are needed to maintain muscle** is crucial for preserving lean mass, optimizing body composition, and supporting overall health as you age.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, but for many, this is the minimum amount required to prevent deficiency, not the optimal intake to avoid losing muscle. **How much protein do you need to avoid losing muscle?** The answer depends significantly on your age, activity level, and specific health goals.