ZTraining

Methodology

Why Protein Should Be Set From Lean Mass, Not Bodyweight

Francesco Zen, founder of ZTraining · Last updated June 19, 2026

Why bodyweight gets it wrong

A generic protein formula based on total bodyweight treats two people identically even when their composition is completely different. Someone carrying more body fat at the same weight as someone leaner doesn't need the same protein target. Calculating from bodyweight alone overshoots for one of them every time.

What lean mass changes

Setting protein from lean mass instead means the number reflects the tissue that actually uses it, not the total number on the scale. It's a more precise input, and it's part of why two people who look similar on paper can need genuinely different plans.

The exact formula and ratios behind this are part of the proprietary methodology built into Mr Z and the coaching programmes, refined and tested across 18 years of real client results, rather than published as a generic calculation.

Related: EAA correction: fixing incomplete protein · Body-fat threshold rules for building muscle

Francesco Zen is the founder of ZTraining and ZLIFE, with 18 years of coaching experience working with executives across the UK, US, and UAE. He built Mr Z, an AI coach trained on his methodology to bring the same approach to a wider audience.

Audit your performance.

Gaps, hidden opportunities and how to close them.

Request a performance assessment

By application. Limited to 20 active clients.
Every application is reviewed personally by Francesco.