What happens if you don't consume enough protein

[Matt-Panz]

Hello Rip,

I enjoy the nutritional podcasts you do with Jordan Feigenbaum.

I realize that most people need roughly 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight give or take a bit depending on the person.

But what actually happens if someone who weighs, lets say 215, only eats 120 grams of protein per day?

Do they actually make progress but end up overreaching or does progress halt immediately?

I know there's several variables, to make things simple lets assume its' a young male who is an intermediate trainee.

Thanks,

Matt

[Mark Rippetoe]

This is not the nutrition board. Not my bailiwick.

[Dave Joksimovic]

You explode. Always eat enough protein.

[Brian Harlin]

But what actually happens if someone who weighs, lets say 215, only eats 120 grams of protein per day?

Regret happens.

[Alchemist]

You explode. Always eat enough protein.

I thought you would implode?

I'd head over to the Nutrition section as ask Jordan. My guess it's going to be some variation of it depends and your progress will not be optimum.

[Matt-Panz]

Overreaching symptoms as stated in Practical Programming for Strength training 3rd edition:

1. decrease in performance
2. feelings of fatigue
3. depressed mood
4. pain
5. sleep disturbances
6. Other miscellaneous effects that require up to two weeks to recover from


My guess is that some of these would occur.. I don't see how they can't unless progress halted immediately and the trainee didn't even have the chance to overload themselves.

[Dave Joksimovic]

I thought you would implode?

I'd head over to the Nutrition section as ask Jordan. My guess it's going to be some variation of it depends and your progress will not be optimum.

It's possible I'm incorrect... I'm not a scientist.

Either way I'm pretty sure you die.

[Giri Kotte]

Either way I'm pretty sure you die.

Eventually

[hector_garza]

I routinely fail to get enough protein. Effects are obvious.
Your recovery suffers. Your progress suffers. You're hunger is less satiated and as a result you may end up consuming more carbs.
Don't you already know this? Haven't you had weeks where you fail to get enough protein.