Why do patients with hyperthyroidism experience weight loss?

Hyperthyroidism usually refers to hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. Generally, patients with hyperthyroidism may experience weight loss due to elevated basal metabolic rate, increased energy consumption, gastrointestinal dysfunction, impaired nutrient absorption, direct effects of thyroid hormones, and other reasons. If the symptoms of weight loss continue to worsen or are accompanied by other discomforts, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Elevated Basal Metabolic Rate

Patients with hyperthyroidism secrete excessive thyroid hormones, which elevate the basal metabolic rate. The body consumes significantly more energy even at rest. Even without additional physical activity, a large amount of calories is consumed, leading to weight loss and thinness. Sufficient caloric intake should be ensured in daily life, and the intake of protein and carbohydrates should be appropriately increased.

2. Increased Energy Consumption

Patients often experience sympathetic nerve excitation, manifested as excessive sweating, palpitations, hand tremors, etc. These physiological activities consume a large amount of energy additionally. Moreover, some patients may become irritable and suffer from insomnia, further increasing energy consumption, leading to a negative energy balance and resulting in weight loss. Emotional stability should be maintained by listening to soothing music, meditation, and other methods to relieve tension.

3. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

Excessive thyroid hormones accelerate gastrointestinal motility, causing food to pass through the intestines too quickly, without sufficient time for digestion and absorption, leading to weight loss. Under medical guidance, drugs that regulate gastrointestinal function can be used, such as domperidone tablets, trimebutine maleate tablets, and bifidobacterium triple viable capsules.

4. Impaired Nutrient Absorption

Long-term rapid gastrointestinal motility affects the absorption of nutrients such as proteins, fats, and vitamins in the intestines, preventing the body from obtaining sufficient nutrition to maintain normal body weight, thereby worsening weight loss. In addition to adjusting the diet to ensure nutritional balance, nutritional supplements such as compound digestive enzyme capsules, lactase tablets, and compound amino acid oral solutions can be taken under medical guidance.

5. Direct Effects of Thyroid Hormones

Thyroid hormones directly affect fat and protein metabolism, promoting their breakdown, causing the body's stored fat and muscle tissue to be consumed, leading to weight loss and thinness. It is necessary to take medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and carbimazole tablets under medical guidance to improve the condition.

In daily life, it is important to maintain regular eating and sleeping habits, avoiding overeating or excessive dieting; maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset, cooperating with medical treatment; engaging in mild physical activities such as yoga or walking to enhance physical fitness, but avoiding strenuous exercise.