Increasing protein intake during energy restriction (ER) can attenuate the loss of lean body mass (LBM) in trained males. However, whether this relationship exists in trained females is currently unknown. The present study aimed to examine the impact of higher (35% of energy intake) compared to lower (15% of energy intake) protein intakes on body composition in trained females during 2 wks of severe ER. Eighteen well-trained females completed a 1-week energy balanced diet (HD100), followed by a 2-week hypoenergetic (40% ER) diet (HD60). During HD60, participants consumed either a high protein (HP; 35% protein, 15% fat) or a lower protein (CON; 15% protein, 35% fat) diet. Assessment of body composition by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and a battery of exercise performance tests were conducted at baseline, pre-HD60, and post-HD60. Participants maintained habitual physical activity throughout the study. There were no significant interactions between time point and dietary condition on exercise performance. Absolute protein intake was reduced from HD100 to HD60 in the CON group (1.6 to 0.9 g•d-1•kgBM-1) and maintained in the HP group (~1.7 g•d-1•kgBM-1), despite an increase in relative protein intake. No differences in body composition existed between groups at any time point. CON and HP groups decreased body mass equally during HD60 (-1.0 ± 1.1 kg; p = 0.026 and -1.1 ± 0.7 kg; p = 0.002, respectively). The lack of change in LBM during HD60, irrespective of whether absolute protein intake is maintained or reduced, contrasts with findings in trained males. In trained females, the impact of increased absolute protein intake (>1.7 g•d-1•kgBM-1) on LBM change during ER warrants investigation. Future recommendations for protein intake during ER should be expressed relative to body mass, not total energy intake, in trained females. Key words: weight loss, body composition, diet composition