Know all about the connection between panic attacks and calorie burn in this article ” How many calories does a panic attack burn?” “can anxiety make you lose weight”. It is something that is related to both psychology as well as physiology. so let’s gain an insight into managing panic attacks and their after-effects by reading it.
In a study it has been found that people do burn about 104 fewer calories on average but if we add up all the untended stress and anger there can be a weight gain of approx 11 pounds in a year.
Table of Contents
The way to calculate how many calories does a panic attack burn is as follows:
Number of calories burned = Duration (in min)* (MET * 3.5* weight in kg)/200
A brief overview of what are panic attacks.
Thoughts like why am I freaking out? Am I freaking out over nothing? Is this a genuine panic attack? can having anxiety make you lose calories? is common. So let’s see what is a panic attack.
Panic attacks are nothing but a feeling of impending doom. They are usually accompanied by chest pains, dizziness, and increased heart so much so that person thinks he/she is having a heart attack, dying, or going crazy. Unexpected frequent panic attacks make panic disorder which comes under Anxiety Disorder.
Signs and symptoms of Panic attacks are as follows
- chest pains
- dizziness
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Fear of loss of control
- Tightness in chest
- Headache
- Chills
- Feeling of choking
The triggers for panic attacks can be the following
– Injury (for example accidents, surgery)
– Illness
– Any conflict or loss
– Cannabis consumption
– Stimulants such as caffeine, decongestants, cocaine, and sympathomimetics.
– Discontinuation of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can induce conditions like that in panic patients.
Hormones released during Panic attacks
When Panic attacks occur the body goes into fights and flight mode thus causing the release of stress hormones such as
Adrenalin
It increases the heart rate and blood pressure. This pressure is then exerted on your veins and arteries and increased blood flow causes more friction against the vein or artery and heat gets released that’s why during a panic attack you experience hot flashes and sweating.
Cortisol
During stress, this hormone releases glucose from the protein reserves of the body, which makes feel energy drained. However, if the cortisol is elevated for a very long time it may cause increased blood sugar levels. This will make you fat not thin. However, the loss of calories during panic attacks does happen.
How many calories does a panic attack burn can depend on the following things:-
The basal metabolic rate of a person also decides, how many calories does a panic attack burn.
Basal metabolic rate is the sum of calories your body needs for basic functioning like breathing, circulation, protein synthesis, ion transport, nutrient processing, and cell production.
How to Calculate Basal Metabolic Rate
Harris-Benedict Equation is used to calculate BMR
Women : Basal Metabolic Rate = 655 +(4.35 x weight in pounds) + (4.7 x height in inches)-(4.7 x age in years)
Men : BMR = 66 + (6.23 x Weight in pounds ) + (12.7 x height in inches)-(6.8 x age in years)
So how does being sick burn calories?
The severity of the panic attack also decides, how many calories does a panic attack burn.
The severity of panic attacks varies depending on the individual thus some may have mild physical symptoms while others may experience them in severity like having panic attacks in the shower, panic attacks crying, panic attacks in hands paralyzed or panic attacks in hands locked up.
How frequently do these attacks happen?
The panic attacks can last from once or twice a month to several times a week.
Reasons for loss of calories during panic attacks
When you experience a racing heart and heart is working a little more than normal causing you to use more energy. So yes during a panic attack body would be using slightly more calories but the amount would be very small.
However, if someone experiences a panic attack for a longer period of time, it will burn calories and cause an increase in heart rate. This is due to the adrenaline, adrenaline rush, and low energy levels that occur during a panic attack. Although a panic attack might make someone feel out of breath and reduce their hunger and thirst, it is still necessary to eat in order to ensure their overall health and well-being. Some people may avoid eating any food after panic attacks due to nausea.
Conclusion about the article “How many calories does a panic attack burn”
Some people may experience panic attacks but then, they can get better or simply learn how to manage them better. These attacks do not necessarily result in people losing any weight. Some people may also experience panic attacks and then stop taking in any calories altogether for up to three weeks. Calories burned during a panic attack are very low and losing weight through exercise is much more fun. Losing 2-3 pounds weight is fine but if you’re losing much more than that then you need to consult your doctor.
Common FaQs on How many calories does a panic attack burn?
- Does increased heart rate from anxiety burn calories?
Yes, a very small amount of calories are burned due to increased heart rate from anxiety but this is not the right way to lose weight. for a long-term basis to reduce weight one must have a balanced diet and physical activity rather than panic attack-induced calorie burn.
- Does crying burn calories?
According to a study crying and laughing burn the same amount of calories which is 1.3 calories per minute. So how many calories does crying burn? Answer is 1.3 calories per minute.
- Does stress burn calories?
Many people put on weight during Stress and anger.Does stressing burn calories? But it is seen that some may lose weight during this period too. this may be due to loss of appetite during stressful conditions however weight gain may be due to emotional eating.
- Can having anxiety make you lose calories?
Does anxiety make you lose weight? Yes, anxiety make you lose weight, this is because anxiety can cause a slight spike in the metabolic rate of the body but it is not too much to make much of a difference.
- Are there any long-term health risks associated with frequent panic attacks?
Yes frequent panic attacks can lead to
-cardiovascular problems
-digestive issues
-worsening of mental health conditions
- Can panic attacks lead to muscle fatigue?
The fight and flight response of the body can lead to increased tension and physical exertion. This is the reason a person feels exhausted after a panic attack.
Resources
https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/weight-loss
https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/panic-attack-happening
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Dr Amit Sharma is a Doctor and writer with a particular interest in mental health. He helps individuals by combining practical advice with emotional support.