Which of the following is a common side effect associated with long-term use of corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids, when used over an extended period, can lead to several physiological changes within the body due to their potent effects on metabolism and the endocrine system. One of the most noticeable side effects associated with long-term corticosteroid therapy is weight gain. This occurs because corticosteroids can cause increased appetite and alter the distribution of body fat, leading to additional accumulation of fat, particularly in the abdomen and face.

Furthermore, corticosteroids can induce fluid retention, contributing to overall weight gain. They also influence how fat is metabolized and stored in the body. This weight gain can sometimes lead to other complications, such as diabetes or hypertension, which are also side effects of long-term corticosteroid use.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect common side effects associated with prolonged corticosteroid use. Increased heart rate is not a primary effect; rather, corticosteroids can affect cardiovascular systems in different ways. Decreased blood sugar levels are not typical for corticosteroids; instead, they often result in increased blood sugar levels due to their influence on glucose metabolism. A chronic cough is not a known side effect of corticosteroids, as these medications do not directly cause respiratory conditions but may be used to manage inflammation in respiratory pathways.