For instance, wouldn’t an athlete who trains multiple times a day need more protein than a gym-goer who works out three times a week? Wouldn’t it make more sense to give a percentage of calories, similar to how fat is typically calculated?
Why is protein calculated based on body weight instead of as a percentage of calories?
- Thread starter Movieleatherja
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You can calculate it however you prefer. I use body weight to establish my starting point and then adjust based on my goals. Micronutrient requirements aren't fixed; they vary depending on the individual's needs. Feel free to calculate them in a way that suits you best.
Yes, it would be more logical. However, nutritional guidelines are created to be straightforward and easy to follow. The rule of 'X% of body weight' is generally effective and easy for anyone to remember. If the target constantly changed based on the individual, their activity level, and intensity, it would be confusing for everyone.
It's a fast way to begin tracking macros for muscle building or maintenance. After that, you focus on total calories. Fat and carbs are the ones you adjust for fat loss, bulking, or maintenance.