Body Recomposition Calculator

Calculate calories and protein for losing fat while maintaining muscle mass.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: CDC

lbs
%
%

Target Weight

158.8 lbs

Fat to Lose

21.2 lbs

Timeline

~22 weeks

Body Composition

Lean Mass135.0 lbs
Fat Mass45.0 lbs
Target Weight158.8 lbs
Daily Calorie Target2000 cal
Protein Target135g/day (1g/lb lean mass)

Use the Body Recomposition Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Losing fat while holding onto muscle is the goal of body recomposition, and it asks for more precision than a plain weight-loss plan. Where aggressive dieting often burns through lean tissue alongside fat, this approach is engineered to shift your composition without that cost. As metabolic health and sustainable training draw more attention in 2026, dialing in calories and protein with this kind of accuracy has become central to results that actually last.

The calculation moves through several grounded steps. It begins with your Basal Metabolic Rate, estimated through the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, which is prized for its reliability. An activity multiplier then scales that up to your Total Daily Energy Expenditure, and a moderate deficit, usually 10-20% below TDEE, is applied to drive fat loss while still fueling muscle maintenance. Protein is set toward the upper end, generally 1.8-2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight, to keep muscle protein synthesis well supported.

Recomposition rewards patience far more than speed, and visible change tends to arrive slowly. Slashing calories too hard is the usual misstep, since it invites muscle loss and metabolic slowdown that make later fat loss tougher to come by. Treat these figures as a starting point: bodies respond differently, so watch your progress and how you feel, then adjust in small increments from there.

Example: Sarah's Body Recomposition Plan

  1. 1 Sarah, a 30-year-old female, is 165 cm tall, weighs 70 kg, and exercises moderately 3-5 times a week. She wants to reduce her body fat percentage from 28% to 22% by June 2026.
  2. 2 Using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, her BMR is estimated at 1445 calories. With a moderate activity multiplier of 1.55, her TDEE is approximately 2240 calories. To achieve a sustainable fat loss, a 15% deficit is applied, resulting in a target daily intake of 1904 calories. For muscle preservation, her protein intake is set at 2.0g/kg, meaning 140 grams of protein per day.
  3. 3 Sarah's daily targets for body recomposition are: 1904 calories and 140 grams of protein.
  4. 4 This plan provides Sarah with a calorie deficit sufficient for fat loss while ensuring adequate protein to maintain muscle mass during her journey to a lower body fat percentage by mid-2026. She should monitor her progress weekly and adjust her intake slightly if necessary.

Source: CDC · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you lose fat and gain muscle at the same time?
Yes, especially if you are a beginner, returning from a break, or carrying significant body fat. Eat at a slight caloric deficit (200-300 calories below maintenance), consume 1g protein per pound of body weight, and strength train 3-4 times per week.
How many calories should I eat for body recomposition?
Eat at maintenance calories or a very slight deficit (100-300 below TDEE). Prioritize protein at 0.8-1.2g per pound of body weight. The protein intake is more important than the total calorie target.
How long does body recomposition take?
Noticeable body recomposition results take 8-16 weeks with consistent training and nutrition. Beginners see faster results. Progress is best tracked with body measurements, photos, and strength gains rather than scale weight.