Not eating enough protein? Learn how DEXA Scan shows muscle loss, fat gain, and other warning signs of low protein — and how to fix them.
Protein is one of the most important nutrients for maintaining a lean, strong, and healthy body. Yet many people, even those who exercise regularly, underestimate how much protein they need each day. Over time, a low-protein diet can quietly erode muscle mass, slow metabolism, and stall fat loss.
At Kalos, we use DEXA Scan technology to measure how nutrition choices affect your body composition. When protein intake is too low, the changes are easy to see — less lean mass, more fat accumulation, and slower progress toward fitness goals.
Protein does far more than build muscle. It supports nearly every major function in the body, including:
1. You’re Losing Muscle Instead of Fat
If you’re eating in a calorie deficit without enough protein, your body will break down muscle for energy. A DEXA scan can show this early by revealing declining lean mass even when total weight drops.
2. You Feel Tired and Weak
Low protein intake can reduce endurance and strength, as your muscles don’t have the amino acids they need for repair.
3. You’re Constantly Hungry
Protein is the most satiating macronutrient. Without it, appetite and cravings increase, leading to overeating and poor food choices.
4. Slow Recovery and More Soreness
Without sufficient protein, post-workout recovery slows, inflammation rises, and you may experience lingering soreness or fatigue.
5. Hair, Nail, or Skin Changes
Protein deficiency can affect collagen and keratin production, leading to weaker nails, dull skin, and thinning hair.
A DEXA Scan provides objective proof of how your diet affects your body composition. It can show:
This data helps you see the direct connection between nutrition and physical results, ensuring you stay on track.
1. Calculate Your Needs
Most active adults should aim for 0.8–1.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day.
2. Distribute Protein Throughout the Day
Eating protein every 3–4 hours keeps muscle protein synthesis active. Include it in every meal and snack.
3. Choose High-Quality Sources
Lean meats, eggs, fish, Greek yogurt, tofu, tempeh, and legumes are excellent options.
4. Combine Protein with Strength Training
Resistance exercise enhances your body’s ability to use protein effectively for muscle repair and growth.
5. Track Progress with DEXA
Use regular DEXA scans to ensure your lean mass is increasing or staying stable while fat mass decreases.
A 39-year-old client at Kalos increased their protein intake from 60g to 130g per day while maintaining the same calorie total. Over eight weeks, their DEXA scan showed a 4 lb increase in lean mass and 3 lb reduction in fat, proving that the right protein intake transforms both composition and performance.
When you don’t eat enough protein, your body composition, energy, and recovery all suffer. With DEXA Scan, you can see exactly how your nutrition choices impact your muscle and fat balance — and make adjustments backed by real data.
If you’re ready to take control of your health with the most accurate body composition analysis available, it’s time to book your DEXA scan at Kalos. Whether you’re looking to get lean, build muscle, improve performance, or optimize longevity, our advanced technology and expert guidance will help you get there.
Schedule your scan today at Kalos, your journey to data-driven fitness starts now.
Bay Area residents trust KALOS to deliver results. We proudly serve the entire Bay Area including the following locations:
