Final answer:
Clarence's stroke that destroyed his lateral hypothalamus would likely cause him to refuse to eat due to the role this area plays in signaling hunger. This is different from leptin resistance, which leads to overeating and weight gain.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Clarence suffered a stroke that destroyed his lateral hypothalamus, he is likely to refuse to eat (a). The lateral hypothalamus plays a critical role in the regulation of hunger and body weight. Damage to this area can lead to a lack of desire to eat because it is part of the brain that signals hunger. This is contrary to the condition known as leptin resistance, where an individual has a decreased sensitivity to leptin (the satiety hormone), resulting in an inability to feel satiated and often leading to overeating and weight gain. In Clarence's case, without a functioning lateral hypothalamus to signal hunger, he may exhibit a loss of appetite and potential weight loss as a result.