What Is the Meaning of "hypermetabolic"?

Hypermetabolism can cause sudden weight loss, fatigue, an elevated or otherwise irregular heart rate, muscle weakness, and shortness of breath. If caused by a trauma to the body, such as an infection, burn or fracture, then the symptoms of hypermetabolism usually subside once the underlying cause is treated. A hypermetabolic state in the body also causes a significant increase in the nutritional needs of the patient and can therefore become even more taxing to the body.