Which mechanism contributes to weight gain with megestrol acetate?

Which mechanism contributes to weight gain with megestrol acetate?

• A. Reduces appetite
• B. Blocks thyroid hormone action
• C. Promotes release of neuropeptide Y from the hypothalamus
• D. Increases hepatic glucose production

Answer: (C)

Weight gain from megestrol acetate mainly comes from its central action to increase appetite. It appears to influence hypothalamic pathways, promoting the release of neuropeptide Y, a powerful signal that stimulates hunger. With more hunger and higher caloric intake, weight increases. Other options don’t fit this pattern: reducing appetite would lower weight, blocking thyroid hormone action would lower metabolism rather than drive appetite, and increasing hepatic glucose production affects glucose output rather than directly driving appetite-driven weight gain.

Weight gain from megestrol acetate mainly comes from its central action to increase appetite. It appears to influence hypothalamic pathways, promoting the release of neuropeptide Y, a powerful signal that stimulates hunger. With more hunger and higher caloric intake, weight increases. Other options don’t fit this pattern: reducing appetite would lower weight, blocking thyroid hormone action would lower metabolism rather than drive appetite, and increasing hepatic glucose production affects glucose output rather than directly driving appetite-driven weight gain.