Endocrine Weight Loss Endocrine System 2

Question 1

Which hormone secreted by adipose tissue directly signals the hypothalamus to suppress appetite?

Accepted Answer

Leptin

Answer

Leptin is secreted by fat cells and acts on hypothalamic receptors to reduce hunger and increase energy expenditure.

Question 2

A patient with hypothyroidism typically experiences weight gain primarily because of:

Accepted Answer

Reduced basal metabolic rate

Answer

Thyroid hormones regulate basal metabolic rate, so deficiency slows metabolism and promotes weight gain even without overeating.

Question 3

Which adrenal hormone promotes visceral fat accumulation when chronically elevated?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol

Answer

Chronic cortisol elevation stimulates gluconeogenesis and promotes fat redistribution to visceral (abdominal) depots.

Question 4

Ghrelin is best described as:

Accepted Answer

A hunger-stimulating hormone that peaks before meals

Answer

Ghrelin is produced mainly in the stomach and rises before meals to stimulate appetite, then falls after eating.

Question 5

In patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), weight gain is most closely linked to which endocrine abnormality?

Accepted Answer

Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia

Answer

Insulin resistance drives compensatory hyperinsulinemia in PCOS, which promotes fat storage and androgen production.

Endocrine Weight Loss Practice Test