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Endocrine Weight Loss Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Endocrine Weight Loss facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here β€” free, no sign-up.

  1. Leptin exerts its primary anti-obesity effect by acting on receptors in which brain region? β†’ Arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus
  2. Sleep deprivation promotes weight gain primarily by affecting which two hormones? β†’ Decreasing leptin and increasing ghrelin
  3. Bariatric surgery promotes sustained weight loss partially through which hormonal mechanism? β†’ Dramatically enhanced postprandial GLP-1 and PYY secretion
  4. Which neurotransmitter pathway is targeted by phentermine/topiramate ER to suppress appetite? β†’ Sympathomimetic norepinephrine release and GABA enhancement
  5. A patient with hypothyroidism gains weight primarily because of: β†’ Accumulation of myxedema fluid and reduced metabolic rate leading to fat deposition
  6. Most typically, acromegaly is detected in: β†’ Middle-aged adults
  7. Chronic high cortisol impairs weight management by antagonizing which anabolic hormone, contributing to muscle loss? β†’ Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) / growth hormone axis
  8. In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), elevated androgens contribute to weight gain primarily by promoting: β†’ Visceral and abdominal fat accumulation
  9. Which 24-hour urinary test is used to confirm autonomous cortisol overproduction in suspected Cushing's syndrome? β†’ 24-hour urine free cortisol (UFC)
  10. Which dietary intervention has the strongest evidence for reducing hepatic fat and improving insulin sensitivity in metabolic syndrome? β†’ Mediterranean diet or low-carbohydrate diet
  11. Vasopressin and oxytocin are released by ___________ part of pituitary β†’ Posterior
  12. Which pattern of fat distribution is most cardiometabolically dangerous and associated with chronic cortisol excess? β†’ Android (apple-shaped) visceral fat distribution
  13. Which symptom cluster distinguishes hyperthyroidism-related weight loss from that caused by malignancy or depression? β†’ Weight loss with increased appetite, heat intolerance, palpitations, and tremor
  14. SGLT-2 inhibitors promote weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes primarily through which mechanism? β†’ Inducing urinary glucose excretion and thereby creating a caloric deficit
  15. Which body composition change is most predictive of future type 2 diabetes risk, independent of total body weight? β†’ Increased visceral adiposity measured by waist circumference or imaging
  16. Which thyroid function test is considered the single best screening test for thyroid dysfunction? β†’ Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
  17. Hormone therapy (HT) in postmenopausal women using estrogen plus progestin has what general effect on body weight and composition? β†’ Reduces visceral fat accumulation compared to no treatment
  18. GLP-1 receptor agonists improve insulin resistance in obesity through all of the following EXCEPT: β†’ Directly stimulating insulin secretion in a glucose-independent manner
  19. What term describes the increase in metabolic rate that occurs after eating a meal? β†’ Thermic effect of food
  20. Which metabolic condition is characterized by a paradoxically low metabolic rate relative to body size? β†’ Hypothyroidism
  21. Thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone) improve insulin sensitivity by acting as agonists at which nuclear receptor? β†’ Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARΞ³)
  22. How does estrogen influence insulin sensitivity in premenopausal women? β†’ Estrogen enhances insulin sensitivity, protecting against type 2 diabetes
  23. Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) is best defined as: β†’ Energy expended during all physical activity except volitional exercise
  24. A caloric deficit of approximately how many kilocalories is traditionally considered necessary to lose one pound of body fat? β†’ 3,500 kcal
  25. Which endocrine change is most directly responsible for increased appetite following significant weight loss? β†’ Sustained elevation of ghrelin with concurrent fall in leptin
  26. Pituitary gland is also known as __________ an endocrine gland. β†’ Master gland
  27. Which receptor does naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave) target to reduce food reward and craving? β†’ Opioid mu-receptors and dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake transporters
  28. Which marker best reflects average glycemic control over the preceding 2–3 months? β†’ Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
  29. Which dietary mineral deficiency most directly impairs thyroid hormone synthesis? β†’ Iodine
  30. Which thyroid hormone is considered the most metabolically active form at the cellular level? β†’ T3 (triiodothyronine)
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