Endocrine Weight Loss Endocrine Pathology 4

Question 1

Which gut-derived hormone rises before meals and stimulates appetite, making it a key target for weight-loss therapies?

Accepted Answer

Ghrelin

Answer

Ghrelin is released by the stomach when fasting and acts on the hypothalamus to stimulate hunger; it falls after eating.

Question 2

A patient with weight gain, fatigue, constipation, and a TSH of 12 mIU/L is started on levothyroxine. What is the primary goal of treatment regarding weight?

Accepted Answer

Restore euthyroid state so metabolic rate normalizes, allowing gradual weight loss

Answer

Levothyroxine restores normal thyroid hormone levels, normalizing metabolic rate; significant weight loss beyond the fluid and metabolic correction is not guaranteed.

Question 3

In type 2 diabetes, which class of medication both lowers blood glucose AND promotes significant weight loss by mimicking an incretin hormone?

Accepted Answer

GLP-1 receptor agonists

Answer

GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide, liraglutide) mimic GLP-1 to lower glucose, delay gastric emptying, and reduce appetite, causing meaningful weight loss.

Question 4

Subclinical hypothyroidism (elevated TSH with normal free T4) is MOST likely to cause which magnitude of weight change?

Accepted Answer

Modest weight gain of 2–5 lbs, primarily from fluid retention

Answer

Subclinical hypothyroidism typically causes only modest weight gain (mostly fluid), as thyroid hormone levels are still in the normal range.

Question 5

Which genetic endocrine disorder causes severe early-onset obesity due to MC4R (melanocortin-4 receptor) mutations?

Accepted Answer

Monogenic MC4R-deficiency obesity

Answer

Loss-of-function mutations in MC4R impair the hypothalamic satiety signaling pathway, causing severe hyperphagia and early-onset obesity.

Endocrine Weight Loss Practice Test

Endocrine Weight Loss Practice Test

Endocrine Weight Loss Endocrine Pathology 4