What is a common adverse effect of long-term corticosteroid use?

Long-term corticosteroid use is widely known to lead to several metabolic and physiological changes in the body, and weight gain is a particularly common adverse effect. Corticosteroids can promote increased appetite, reduce the body’s ability to metabolize nutrients efficiently, and alter fat distribution, often leading to central obesity. Patients may experience changes in fat storage that make them accumulate fat in areas around the abdomen, face, and neck, sometimes referred to as "moon facies."

The other options, while they may encompass different effects of various medications or conditions, do not accurately represent the typical consequences seen with prolonged corticosteroid therapy. Increased bone density is incorrect because long-term use often leads to osteoporosis and decreased bone density. Decreased appetite would also not be a common issue; rather, the opposite is true as corticosteroids can stimulate appetite. Improved skin condition may occur in some conditions treated with corticosteroids, but chronic use can also lead to skin thinning and easy bruising. Thus, the association of weight gain with long-term corticosteroid use is well-established and aligns with what is seen in clinical practice.