Which symptom is associated with Cushing's syndrome?

Which symptom is associated with Cushing's syndrome?

• A. Upper body obesity
• B. Goiter
• C. Tremors
• D. Frequent diarrhea

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that excess cortisol changes how fat is distributed in the body. In Cushing's syndrome, chronic cortisol overload shifts fat to the trunk and face, producing central or upper body obesity (often with a moon face and a buffalo hump). This central fat pattern is a classic clue to the diagnosis. Goiter is enlargement of the thyroid, not typically caused by cortisol excess. Tremors are more associated with thyroid or movement disorders, not a defining feature of Cushing’s. Frequent diarrhea isn’t a hallmark sign of Cushing’s either. So the upper body obesity best matches the characteristic effect of cortisol excess.

The key idea is that excess cortisol changes how fat is distributed in the body. In Cushing's syndrome, chronic cortisol overload shifts fat to the trunk and face, producing central or upper body obesity (often with a moon face and a buffalo hump). This central fat pattern is a classic clue to the diagnosis. Goiter is enlargement of the thyroid, not typically caused by cortisol excess. Tremors are more associated with thyroid or movement disorders, not a defining feature of Cushing’s. Frequent diarrhea isn’t a hallmark sign of Cushing’s either. So the upper body obesity best matches the characteristic effect of cortisol excess.