LSAT Explanation PT 36, S1, Q4: Most antidepressant drugs cause weight gain.

LSAT Question Stem

The information above most strongly supports which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage and break it down into simpler terms. The passage states that most antidepressant drugs cause weight gain, and although dieting can help reduce the weight gained while taking these drugs, some weight gain is still inevitable. To put it in a more relatable context, imagine that taking an antidepressant drug is like eating a big slice of cake every day. Even if you try to eat healthier and exercise, you might still gain some weight because of the daily cake intake.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. The question type is Most Strongly Supported (MSS), which means we need to find an answer choice that is supported by the information provided in the passage.

Let's examine each answer choice:

a) A physician should not prescribe any antidepressant drug for a patient if that patient is overweight.

This answer choice is exaggerated. The passage allows for the possibility that some antidepressants may not cause weight gain. Moreover, the passage does not discuss the role of a physician or the appropriateness of prescribing certain drugs under specific conditions. The benefits of prescribing an antidepressant that causes weight gain to an overweight patient may outweigh the negatives.

b) People who are trying to lose weight should not ask their doctors for an antidepressant drug.

This answer choice is also exaggerated. The passage allows for the possibility that some antidepressants may not cause weight gain.

c) At least some patients taking antidepressant drugs gain weight as a result of taking them.

This answer choice is correct. The passage states that most antidepressants cause weight gain, and even though dieting can reduce the amount of weight gained, some weight gain is still unavoidable. Thus, it is supported by the passage that at least some patients taking antidepressant drugs will gain weight as a result of taking them.

d) The weight gain experienced by patients taking antidepressant drugs should be attributed to lack of dieting.

This answer choice is opposite to the information provided in the passage. The passage states that even with dieting, some weight gain is still inevitable for those taking weight gain-causing antidepressants. Therefore, the weight gain cannot be solely attributed to a lack of dieting.

e) All patients taking antidepressant drugs should diet to maintain their weight.

This answer choice is too strong. Not all patients necessarily take antidepressants that cause weight gain, so those who do not might not need to diet to maintain their weight. Also, some patients who do take weight gain-causing antidepressants might be underweight and could benefit from the weight gain caused by the drug.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (c), as it is supported by the information provided in the passage.