Which of the following can lead to weight loss as a symptom?

Prepare for the UCF HSC4558 Pathophysiology II Final Exam. Study effectively with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each complete with hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

Adrenal insufficiency can indeed lead to weight loss as a symptom. This condition occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of certain hormones, particularly cortisol. Cortisol plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including metabolism, and when its levels are low, individuals may experience significant weight loss. This weight loss may result from a combination of factors, such as decreased appetite, fatigue, and the body's inability to utilize fat and carbohydrates properly due to insufficient hormonal regulation.

In adrenal insufficiency, the body's energy levels can be severely affected, leading to a state where the metabolism slows down, but the actual body weight can decrease due to the catabolic effects of low cortisol levels as well. Thus, this hormone deficiency can lead to muscle wasting and a decrease in overall body mass, contributing to weight loss.

Other conditions, while they may have various effects on body weight, do not typically lead to weight loss in the same way. Cushing syndrome, for example, is characterized by excess cortisol and typically results in weight gain rather than loss. Pheochromocytoma usually causes weight loss due to the hypersecretion of catecholamines but is more complicated in its impact on overall health. A thyroid storm, or severe hyperthyroidism,

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