What symptoms are associated with Cushing's syndrome due to excessive cortisol levels?

Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol levels in the body, which often leads to a range of distinct symptoms. Among these, fatigue, weakness, and weight gain are common.

Fatigue and weakness occur because elevated cortisol levels can interfere with the body's metabolic processes, leading to a reduction in overall energy. Additionally, cortisol promotes fat accumulation, particularly in the trunk and face, leading to the characteristic central obesity often seen in individuals with Cushing's syndrome. This weight gain is typically accompanied by striae (purple stretch marks) and a rounded face, commonly referred to as "moon facies."

The other symptoms mentioned in the alternatives, such as weight loss, lower blood pressure, increased appetite, muscle loss, and increased insulin levels, are not typical presentations of Cushing's syndrome. Instead, individuals often experience increased blood pressure and altered glucose metabolism, which can lead to diabetes due to the cortisol's effects on carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore, option B encapsulates the primary symptomatic profile recognized with high cortisol levels, making it the correct answer.