We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Since upping protein, gained weight

rachelfaith92
rachelfaith92 Posts: 202 Member
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I upped my protein and calories to 1550 a day, then dropped my cals to 1300 a day with eating around 100g of protein a day, over the recommended MFP grams. I have become pretty sedentary since changing jobs, but still continue to remain under my maintenance calories even if having high days. I have gained 3-4 pounds. My question is;

Will eating excess protein cause weight gain, even if you are under your maintenance calories? Should I decrease my protein intake? I just bought the 30 day shred and intend on starting it tomorrow. What should I do and where should I be at with eating/protein?

Replies

  • aproc
    aproc Posts: 1,033 Member
    No, more protein will not cause weight gain. It still comes down to calories. 1-1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight is a good range. I just make sure I at least get 1g/pound so around 130-160 a day. But I'm usually way over that in protein. ;P Sure, I've gained weight but thats because I'm eating more calories not because I have a high protein intake.
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    Are you watching your FAT too? Unfortunately, a lot of high protein foods also have a good deal of FAT. While calories are the main thing to keep an eye on, if you consistently go over on your FATS, you will not lose as quickly or you will plateau.

    .... What about carbs?

    Wrong. Excess calories makes you gain weight, not excess fat.

    Your weight gain is probably just bloating, or a natural shift in body weight.
  • rachelfaith92
    rachelfaith92 Posts: 202 Member
    I was told that more protein causes weight gain, and from what I had read it all comes down to calories. My fat and protein are usually always balanced, and if not, fat is always what I am low in. My carbs I have set at 40%, while fat and protein are set at 30%. I was down to 154 and then went back to 155-159 and it keeps fluctuating lately between 156-158. I know it could be water weight and other factors, but its disappointing not to see 154 on the scale for over a month now. Today I was 158. I want to reach the 140's so badly and am having a hard time doing so. From experience, does the 30 day shred really do much as far as losing weight and inches goes?
  • ZyheeMoongazer
    ZyheeMoongazer Posts: 343 Member
    If you have been working out you could be gaining muscle, which weighs more. Keeping body measures is often time a better judge of your progress then the scale. Track your waist and hip measurements.
This discussion has been closed.