Dr.GutHealth said:

On a suppressed appetite the winning strategy is protein density per unit of volume, not per calorie.

DEXA scan update relevant to protein intake:

Scanned at months 0, 6, and 12. Here are the body comp numbers:

Lean mass preserved — actually GAINED 1-2 lbs thanks to progressive overload + 1.5g/kg protein. The protein intake discussion needs to include body comp data, not just scale weight.

One thing that is still open after Dr.NateNeph’s answer:

Whether the RDA is the wrong reference entirely during rapid weight loss, and what the actual target should be?

Dr.PathRoch said:

DEXA scan update relevant to protein intake: Scanned at months 0, 6, and 12.

Adding the part of the answer the thread has not reached. The distinction that resolves most of these threads is between what is true on average and what is true for one person. Both are real; they answer different questions and get quoted as if they were the same one.

Reporting back.

Update: two thirds of the target before midday. Same total, same appetite, and I am hitting it most days now.

carl_compliance said:

The distinction that resolves most of these threads is between what is true on average and what is true for one person.

True, and anyone with reduced kidney function needs that target set by a clinician rather than a forum. High protein is safe in normal kidneys and is not automatically safe in impaired ones.