What statement is true regarding changes in appearance for a patient on glucocorticoid therapy?

Patients undergoing glucocorticoid therapy often experience various changes in appearance due to the medication's effects on the body. These changes can include weight gain, redistribution of fat (such as the development of a "moon face" or increased abdominal fat), thinning of the skin, and other alterations. The statement that changes will reverse once the therapy is tapered off is accurate because the physiological effects of glucocorticoids can be transient. Once the dosage is reduced or the medication is discontinued, many of the cosmetic changes begin to reverse as the body readjusts hormonally and metabolically.

While some individuals may experience lingering effects due to factors such as the duration of therapy or concurrent health issues, the general trend is for physical changes to improve after tapering off the medication. This distinction underscores the importance of monitoring patients during and after glucocorticoid treatment, as it enables healthcare providers to manage expectations regarding the reversibility of these changes.