Significant weight gain
Author and Disclosure Information [Show]

W. Scott Butsch, MD, MSc, Director of Obesity Medicine, Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.

Dr. Butsch has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:
Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: Novo Nordisk, Inc.


Courtney Whittle, MD, MSW, Diplomate of ABOM, Pediatric Lead, Obesity Champion, TSPMG, Weight A Minute Clinic, Atlanta, Georgia.

Courtney Whittle, MD, MSW, Diplomate of ABOM, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Question 1 of 3

A 32-year-old woman presents to her primary care physician concerned about a 25-lb weight gain in the past 4 months. She reports developing anxiety and depression because of job loss and significant social isolation shortly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Six months ago, she sought treatment, started to see a therapist, and was prescribed an antidepressant by her new psychiatrist.

The patient's height is 5 ft 5 in, weight is 200 lb, and BMI is 33. She reports having a healthy structured diet and regularly exercises by walking daily. She has no sleeping issues. Her medical history is otherwise unremarkable. Physical exam also shows nothing remarkable, other than obvious weight gain. Laboratory testing reveals normal AST/ALT, fasting glucose, and thyroid function; her A1c is 5.2%; and lipid panel shows total cholesterol of 230 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol of 40 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol of 190 mg/dL, and triglycerides of 250 mg/dL.

What is the likely cause of this patient's sudden weight gain?

Antidepressant medication

Poor diet

Lack of exercise

Metabolic syndrome

This quiz is not accredited for CME.

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