Impact of dapagliflozin on weight and BMI in Omani patients with type 2 diabetes: a strategy for enhancing metabolic health

Background: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors) work by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidneys' proximal tubules. This process helps lower plasma glucose levels, reduce body weight, and decrease cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Aim: This study evaluates the impact of dapagli¬flozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, on body weight and BMI in Omani patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methodology: A retrospective pre-post cohort study was conducted at Diwan Polyclinic, Muscat, enrolling 124 T2DM patients between January 2020 and December 2022. Patients who used dapagliflozin for at least 24 months were included. Medical records were analyzed for weight and BMI changes. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, two-way ANOVA, and chi-square tests to assess differences across gender and treatment regimens. Results: The mean age of participants was 61 years, with 50.8% being female. At baseline, 47.6% were obese, with an average BMI of 30.49 kg/m². After two years of dapagliflozin treatment, patients experienced significant weight loss (-3.43 kg, 4.45% reduction) and a decrease in BMI to 28.78 kg/m². Females showed greater weight loss (-4.13 kg) than males (-2.77 kg). Weight reduction was independent of treatment regimens. Conclusion: Dapagliflozin effectively reduces weight and BMI in T2DM patients, improving metabolic health. Further research is needed to explore long-term outcomes and contributing mechanisms.