Researched and Presented by The Protelicious Team, October 2025
1- Muscle Support & Lean Mass Protection with Whey Protein
Muscle loss on GLP-1 meds? It’s real: some people drop up to 40% of their muscle mass, yikes (Simonson et al., 2020; Leidy et al., 2015). But here’s the fix: high-quality protein, especially whey, is your muscle’s best ally. Grass-fed, cold-processed ESSENTIAL by Protelicious Gourmet Whey Protein Concentrate outshines other choices because it packs the ideal profile to keep you strong, especially when you stay even a little active.
Whey is loaded with BCAAs like leucine, which acts as the spark plug for muscle growth (Devries MC et al., 2015; Hulmi et al., 2010; Fujita and Volpi, 2006). Studies show whey actually wins over egg, casein, and soy for building back lean mass (Devries et al., 2015).
So, what’s the magic number? Aim for 1.2–1.5 grams of protein per kilo of body weight (that’s about 89–119 g/day for women, 104–138 g/day for men) (Leidy et al., 2007; Kim et al., 2016; Layman et al., 2005; Soenen et al., 2013). If you’re on the lighter side, 0.8–1.2 grams can cover your muscle’s needs (Soenen and Martens, 2013).
Want continuous muscle support? Mix fast-acting whey protein concentrate (right after meals) with slow-release casein (like in our high protein, zero added sugar PARAD’ICE ice cream). These two are a dream team, both high in leucine, for 24/7 muscle love (Devries et al., 2015; Fujita and Volpi, 2006).
2. Say Goodbye to Ozempic Face: How Whey Helps
Let’s talk about what people have started calling the “Ozempic face.” When weight loss happens too fast, and collagen production slows down, your skin can lose some of its bounce and glow. Not ideal, right?
Here’s the good news: whey protein gives that collagen comeback a head start. Its amino acids fuel skin repair, boost elasticity, and even support muscle tone, for your whole body and the 50 little muscles that keep your face looking lifted and defined.
In studies, whey helped diabetic animals heal faster and rebuild stronger tissue thanks to its antioxidant support (Badr, 2013; Velioglu Ogünç et al., 2008). So, think of whey as your skin’s natural strength serum, working from the inside out.
3. Energy & Recovery Boosting Benefits of Whey
Whey isn’t just about strength, it’s your go-to for next-level energy and fast recovery (Devries et al., 2015; Davies et al., 2018). Those all-star amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) work behind the scenes to speed up repair after every workout, whether you’re lifting, running, or just staying active.
Bonus: whey is loaded with the good stuff, cysteine, methionine, lysine, and taurine, to help soothe tired muscles and fight off exercise-induced inflammation (Sakelliou et al., 2016). Think of it as your post-workout recovery squad.
4. Protect Bone Strength with Quality Protein
Your bones deserve some backup, too! GLP-1 can make them more vulnerable, so put top-notch whey protein on the menu to help boost (or restore) strength, especially if you’re pairing it with a little sunshine-y vitamin D (Jennings et al., 2016; Heaney and Layman, 2008).
Protein isn’t just a muscle-builder; it’s a foundation for healthy bones and flexible joints. For those 60-plus or anyone losing weight fast, around 1–1.2 g/kg of protein daily gives bones what they need to stay resilient as you age (Rieu et al., 2006).
5. Whey’s Natural Role in Appetite Control and Blood Sugar
Whey doesn’t only protect your muscles, it’s your natural satiety superhero. When you drink it, your body sends “I’m full!” signals to your brain (Lesgards, 2023). That means you feel satisfied longer, making healthy eating way easier.
Whey proteins are proven appetite controllers (Hall et al., 2003; Anderson et al., 2004; Uhe et al., 1992; Tahavorgar et al., 2014). Bonus: certain amino acids pump up insulin, lower your blood sugar spikes, and keep those hunger hormones in check (Lesgards et al., 2023; Mignone et al., 2015).
Thanks to cold filtration, ESSENTIAL by Protelicious whey protein concentrate is rich in cysteine and methionine, powerful for your metabolic health (Jain, 2012).
Ready to Feel the Difference?
Put simply, high quality protein is the secret weapon every GLP-1 user needs. It keeps muscles, skin, and bones at their best while boosting your energy and cutting side effects (Lesgards, 2023). Ready to get started? Experience the perfect blend of science, nature, and deliciousness working together just for you, the Protelicious way.
References
Anderson, G.H.; Tecimer, S.N.; Shah, D.; Zafar, T.A. Protein source, quantity, and time of consumption determine the effect of proteins on short-term food intake in young men. J. Nutr. 2004, 134, 3011–3015. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002231662302881X?via%3Dihub
Badr, G. Camel whey protein enhances diabetic wound healing in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model: the critical role of β-Defensin-1, -2 and -3. Lipids Health Dis 12, 46 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-511X-12-46
Devries, M.C.; Phillips, S.M. Supplemental protein in support of muscle mass and health: advantage whey. J Food Sci 2015, 80 Suppl 1, A8-A15. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.12802
Fujita S, Volpi E. Amino acids and muscle loss with aging. J Nutr 2006;136:277S–80S. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002231662208049X?via%3Dihub
Hall, W.L.; Millward, D.J.; Long, S.J.; Morgan, L.M. Casein and whey exert different effects on plasma amino acid profiles, gastrointestinal hormone secretion and appetite. Br. J. Nutr. 2003, 89, 239–248. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/casein-and-whey-exert-different-effects-on-plasma-amino-acid-profiles-gastrointestinal-hormone-secretion-and-appetite/421C6E92A7A2D17069DA694F87CF0A2A
Heaney RP, Layman DK. Amount and type of protein influences bone health. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 May;87(5):1567S-1570S. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523236667?via%3Dihub
Hulmi JJ, Lockwood CM, Stout JR. Effect of protein/essential amino acids and resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A case for whey protein. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010 Jun 17;7:51. https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-7075-7-51
Jain, S.K. L-cysteine supplementation as an adjuvant therapy for type-2 diabetes. Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 2012, 90, 1061–1064. https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/y2012-087
Jennings A, MacGregor A, Spector T, Cassidy A. Amino Acid Intakes Are Associated With Bone Mineral Density and Prevalence of Low Bone Mass in Women: Evidence From Discordant Monozygotic Twins. J Bone Miner Res. 2016 Feb;31(2):326-35. https://academic.oup.com/jbmr/article/31/2/326/7605577
Kim, J.E.; O’Connor, L.E.; Sands, L.P.; Slebodnik, M.B.; Campbell, W.W. Effects of dietary protein intake on body composition changes after weight loss in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr. Rev. 2016, 74, 210–224. https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-abstract/74/3/210/1825906?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Layman, D.K.; Evans, E.; Baum, J.I.; Seyler, J.; Erickson, D.J.; Boileau, R.A. Dietary protein and exercise have additive effects on body composition during weight loss in adult women. J. Nutr. 2005, 135, 1903–1910. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622103445?via%3Dihub
Leidy, H.J.; Carnell, N.S.; Mattes, R.D.; Campbell, W.W. Higher protein intake preserves lean mass and satiety with weight loss in pre-obese and obese women. Obesity 2007, 15, 421–429. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/oby.2007.531
Leidy, H.J.; Clifton, P.M.; Astrup, A.; Wycherley, T.P.; Westerterp-Plantenga, M.S.; Luscombe-Marsh, N.D.; Woods, S.C.; Mattes, R.D. The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2015, 101, 1320S–1329S. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523274274?via%3Dihub
Lesgards, J.F. Benefits of Whey Proteins on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Parameters and Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases. Nutrients 2023, 15, 1294. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051294
Mignone, L.E.; Wu, T.; Horowitz, M.; Rayner, C.K. Whey protein: The “whey” forward for treatment of type 2 diabetes. World J. Diabetes 2015, 6, 1274–1284.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283286568_Whey_protein_The_whey_forward_for_treatment_of_type_2_diabetes
Rieu I, Balage M, Sornet C, Giraudet C, Pujos E, Grizard J, Mosoni L and Dardevet D. Leucine supplementation improves muscle protein synthesis in elderly men independently of hyperaminoacidaemia. J Physiol 575.1 (2006) pp 305–315 305 https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1113/jphysiol.2006.110742
Sakelliou A, Fatouros IG, Athanailidis I, Tsoukas D, Chatzinikolaou A, Draganidis D, Jamurtas AZ, Liacos C, Papassotiriou I, Mandalidis D, Stamatelopoulos K, Dimopoulos MA, Mitrakou A. Evidence of a Redox-Dependent Regulation of Immune Responses to Exercise-Induced Inflammation. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:2840643. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2016/2840643/
Simonson, M.; Boirie, Y.; Guillet, C. Protein, amino acids and obesity treatment. Rev. Endocr. Metab. Disord. 2020, 21, 341–353.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11154-020-09574-5
Soenen, S.; Martens, E.A.; Hochstenbach-Waelen, A.; Lemmens, S.G.; Westerterp-Plantenga, M.S. Normal protein intake is required for body weight loss and weight maintenance, and elevated protein intake for additional preservation of resting energy expenditure and fat free mass. J. Nutr. 2013, 143, 591–596. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622011828?via%3Dihub
Tahavorgar A, Vafa M, Shidfar F, Gohari M, Heydari I. Whey protein preloads are more beneficial than soy protein preloads in regulating appetite, calorie intake, anthropometry, and body composition of overweight and obese men. Nutr Res. 2014 Oct;34(10):856-61. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0271531714001663?via%3Dihub
Uhe, A.M.; Collier, G.R.; O’Dea, K. A comparison of the effects of beef, chicken and fish protein on satiety and amino acid profiles in lean male subjects. J. Nutr. 1992, 122, 467–472. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002231662304590X?via%3Dihub
Velioglu Ogünç A, Manukyan M, Cingi A, Eksioglu-Demiralp E, Ozdemir Aktan A, Süha Yalçin A: Dietary whey supplementation in experimental models of wound healing. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2008, 78 (2): 70-73.
