Which of the following is a known effect of high-dose glucocorticoids?

High-dose glucocorticoids are known to cause weight gain as a common and significant side effect. This occurs due to a combination of increased appetite and alterations in metabolism associated with glucocorticoid administration. Glucocorticoids promote fat redistribution, often resulting in central obesity, and can also contribute to fluid retention. These effects can lead to noticeable weight gain during prolonged therapy, which is an important consideration in the management of patients receiving glucocorticoids for various conditions.

Other effects that may occur with glucocorticoid use include bradycardia and hypokalemia, but these are not typically associated with high doses; rather, they can occur under different circumstances or due to other medications. Additionally, glucocorticoids are immunosuppressive agents, which means they inhibit the immune response rather than increase it. Thus, the recognition of weight gain as a primary consequence of high-dose glucocorticoid therapy underscores its importance in clinical practice.