The PSMF diet, explained plainly

A protein sparing modified fast is a very-low-calorie diet: under 800 calories a day, mostly lean protein, almost no carbs or added fat. Clinics use it for people with obesity who need to lose weight fast. It is meant to be done with a doctor.

PSMF is aggressive dieting. Talk to your doctor before you start, especially if you take medication for diabetes or blood pressure. Read who should not do it.

Start here

• PSMF diet: what it is, how it works, and who should avoid it

  The protein sparing modified fast in plain terms: the calorie, protein and carb numbers used in clinics, the two phases, side effects, and who should not try it.

• PSMF protein calculator: how much protein do you need?

  Work out your daily protein on a PSMF from your height, using ideal body weight and the 1.2 to 1.5 g/kg range from the Cleveland Clinic protocol.

• Lean body mass calculator for PSMF

  Estimate your lean body mass from height and weight with the Boer formula, or from a measured body fat percentage, and see how it compares with your PSMF protein target.

About this site

I'm Clint Tustison. I write these pages from published medical sources and list them at the end of each article. The calculators are free and run in your browser. More about the site.