Lean body mass — everything except fat — drives your metabolism, strength, and athletic performance. Knowing your LBM helps set more accurate protein targets and track real progress.
Lean body mass (LBM) includes muscles, bones, organs, water and connective tissue — the metabolically active parts of your body that drive your BMR, strength, and athletic performance.
Using LBM rather than total body weight to set protein targets is more accurate, especially for leaner or more muscular individuals. Most sports nutrition research recommends 1.6–2.2g of protein per kg of LBM for those training to build or preserve muscle.
For precise body composition measurement, consider a DEXA scan or bod pod assessment.