Hypermetabolism

What is hypermetabolism?

Hypermetabolism is when you have a very fast metabolism. Your metabolism is how your body converts food to energy so you can use that energy for important bodily functions. Hypermetabolism is when your metabolism is extremely active, which means your body burns more calories than it should. It can lead to symptoms like weight loss and tiredness.

This typically happens when your body needs extra energy to heal or repair itself. Healthcare providers can treat it with methods like medication and nutritional guidance.

What are the symptoms of hypermetabolism?

The most common symptoms are:

• Unexplained weight loss.
• Increased appetite.
• Sweating excessively.
• Fatigue.
• Quick and/or irregular heart rate.
• Anemia.

What causes hypermetabolism?

Hypermetabolism is complex. It can start suddenly all at once or years after you develop a condition that can cause it. It can be temporary or something you have to manage for a long time (chronic hypermetabolism). Some possible causes of hypermetabolism are:

• Burns or other traumas: Your body reacts to burns or breaking multiple bones by needing and using more energy to try to heal itself.
• Sepsis: Sepsis is a complication of infections. It can cause hypermetabolism because your body uses extra energy to repair your organs and tissues.
• Eating disorders: During recovery from anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, your metabolism may go into overdrive because it’s gotten used to fewer calories. Hypermetabolism is common in recovery from eating disorders.
• Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can make your metabolism extra fast.
• Cancer: Certain cancers like lung and pancreatic cancer can cause hypermetabolism.
• Surgery: Your body can develop an increased metabolism when it’s repairing itself after surgical procedures.
• Genetic conditions: Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are a group of conditions you’re born with that can affect how your metabolism works.

What are the complications of this condition?

Hypermetabolism in short bursts may be OK, especially when it’s helping your body heal. But having a fast metabolism long-term can have serious complications, including:

• Muscle weakness or muscle atrophy.
• Bone density loss.
• Heart problems due to prolonged heart rate changes.
• Kidney damage.
• Weakened immune system.

How is it diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will diagnose hypermetabolism by talking to you about your health and daily routine. They’ll ask about any symptoms you’re experiencing and when you first noticed them. Tell your provider about any conditions or injuries you’ve had recently, and how you’re treating or managing them.

Your provider may order the following tests:

• Blood tests: A blood test can show inflammation, nutrient deficiencies and thyroid dysfunction. Your provider may order a basic metabolic panel, a comprehensive metabolic panel or other specific tests.
• Metabolic test: This test measures the oxygen you breathe in and the carbon dioxide you breathe out to determine how quickly you burn calories. It involves you breathing in and out of a machine while you exercise.
• Imaging tests: Your provider may order a CT scan or MRI to look for tumors or signs of other conditions.

How is hypermetabolism treated?

Your healthcare provider may suggest some or all of the following treatments:

• Custom meal plan: Your provider will increase how many calories you eat and suggest meals and snacks that will help you gain weight. You might need high-calorie foods to gain weight.
• Medication: Your provider may prescribe medication to treat a condition that’s causing the hypermetabolism. For example, you may need antibiotics for a bacterial infection or beta-blockers for a rapid heart rate.
• Fluids: IV fluids can help with dehydration and replenish lost energy. If you develop the condition due to burns or injuries, getting fluid or parenteral nutrition (food through an IV) can help with healing.
• Cancer treatment: If a cancer is causing hypermetabolism, getting radiation therapy or chemotherapy can help treat it.
• Limited physical activity: Movement and physical activity require energy. Limiting how much activity you get can prevent your body from using energy.

Can I prevent hypermetabolism?

You can’t necessarily prevent hypermetabolism because you can’t always control or prevent the conditions or injuries that cause it. For conditions you can control, the following tips may reduce your risk:

• Maintain a weight that’s healthy for you: Having underweight or overweight can impact your health. Ask your provider what a healthy weight range is for you if you’re unsure.
• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals: Your provider will help you determine an eating plan.
• Attend check-ups: Seeing a healthcare provider each year can help you stay healthy and identify any conditions that can cause hypermetabolism as soon as possible.
• Get regular exercise: Exercising for 20 to 30 minutes each day is good for your health. Ask your provider for tips to find the right routine or program.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Contact a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of hypermetabolism, like:

• Losing weight, even when you eat more often.
• Fatigue.
• Sweating.
• Irregular or fast heart rate.