Endocrine Weight Loss Endocrine System 4

Question 1

Adiponectin levels in obese individuals are typically:

Accepted Answer

Low, associated with decreased insulin sensitivity

Answer

Obesity suppresses adiponectin secretion; low levels are linked to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and increased cardiovascular risk.

Question 2

Which region of the hypothalamus contains the primary appetite-regulating neurons that respond to leptin and ghrelin?

Accepted Answer

Arcuate nucleus

Answer

The arcuate nucleus contains NPY/AgRP neurons (hunger-promoting) and POMC/CART neurons (satiety-promoting) that integrate peripheral hormone signals.

Question 3

A 45-year-old woman reports unexplained weight gain, fatigue, and cold intolerance. The most appropriate initial lab test is:

Accepted Answer

Serum TSH

Answer

TSH is the most sensitive screening test for hypothyroidism, which classically presents with unexplained weight gain, fatigue, and cold intolerance.

Question 4

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) contributes to weight regulation by:

Accepted Answer

Generating heat through uncoupled mitochondrial respiration (thermogenesis)

Answer

BAT expresses uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), which dissipates the mitochondrial proton gradient as heat rather than producing ATP.

Question 5

The hormone amylin, co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells, aids weight management by:

Accepted Answer

Slowing gastric emptying and promoting satiety

Answer

Amylin slows gastric emptying, suppresses postprandial glucagon, and acts centrally to reduce food intake.

Endocrine Weight Loss Practice Test