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Gym 12w
My brother just graduated and was a college athlete (5’4”, 135 lbs) and he eats sm protein I’m a bit worried. Like I’ve counted it and there have been multiple days where he’s eaten over 200 grams of protein in one day. There’s no way that’s healthy…
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Anonymous 12w

Can he optimize his health better and track every minuscule macro and micro down to the mg? Absolutely, but what he’s doing isn’t necessarily unhealthy and it might be something he personally prefers. You have to have a balance otherwise you risk diving off the deep end and developing orthorexia

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Anonymous 12w

Excess protein isn’t a problem unless it’s leading to excess caloric totals, and thus causing him to be at an unhealthy bodyfat. Definitely shouldn’t be worried about that if he’s 5’4” 135.

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Anonymous 12w

No to mention genetics are not on our side as my dad had a heart attack two years ago (sure he’s super fat and has horrible habits) but it’s still genetics

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Anonymous 12w

Excess protein is just extra calories, not a health issue. 5'4 and 135 seems like extra calories isn't a bad thing

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Anonymous replying to -> #1 12w

Right but doesn’t excess protein turn into fat? I’m just thinking about our family’s medical history. Also my brother wants to be cooking his meals with beef tallow instead of olive oil which can’t be healthy either

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 12w

Excess calories turn into fat. You haven't given enough information to determine whether he's eating in excess. Also he'd still have a normal bmi after gaining fat

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Anonymous replying to -> #1 12w

I mean shouldn’t your protein intake be your weight in lean muscle but in grams? This might sound like a dumb question but I’ve heard so many answers and this feels like the most accurate answer

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 12w

That is a theoretical maximum amount of protein that can be used for muscle growth. The rest would be used as energy or waste. Not unhealthy, just excess

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Anonymous replying to -> #2 12w

What about the long term effect?

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Anonymous replying to -> OP 12w

It can put strain on the kidneys when you’re about 3.5g per kg of bodyweight. For your brother that’s 215g so he’s close. You say he’s an athlete however and I bet the reason he’s been able to sustain it healthily is that he’s drinking a lot of fluids which helps the kidneys clear waste product more efficiently. I would be more worried about the fact that a higher protein intake would mean he’s possibly skimping out on a proper amount of fats and carbs which are both essential for body function

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