Patient-Friendly Explanation

Muscle protein synthesis is your body’s way of repairing and building muscle. When you eat far less than usual, this repair process slows and the body may break down muscle for energy along with fat. Eating enough protein and doing strength training signals the body to hold on to the muscle you have.

Clinical Definition

Muscle protein synthesis describes the postprandial incorporation of amino acids into skeletal muscle, stimulated mainly by dietary protein, insulin and mechanical loading; leucine-rich doses of roughly 25–40 g per meal maximise the response in younger adults. During caloric restriction synthesis falls and net protein balance becomes negative, so 20–30% of the weight lost can be lean tissue, and anabolic resistance raises daily protein needs to about 1.2–1.6 g per kg body weight. Rapid weight loss with GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy increases the concern, making protein intake and resistance exercise the central countermeasures.

Why It Matters

Preserving lean mass is what keeps resting metabolic rate, strength and physical function intact, so planning protein and resistance training during weight loss prevents the weakness, sarcopenia and weight regain that follow muscle loss. NuLifeCare Singapore builds protein targets and strength training into every weight management plan.