The Impact of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitors on Weight Loss in Obesity

Obesity is a chronic medical condition characterized by excessive body fat accumulation, posing health risks. Obesity is influenced by genetic, environmental, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors, emphasizing its complexity. It is associated with numerous comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, and certain cancers. Obesity management involves a multidisciplinary approach, including lifestyle modifications, behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery in severe cases. Studies highlight the weight loss effects of various sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) such as canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin, in diabetic and non-diabetic obese individuals. Modest reductions in body weight have been observed, supporting the use of SGLT-2i as a weight management option. SGLT-2i, initially used for diabetes, have demonstrated additional benefits for managing obesity and related metabolic conditions. Clinical trials and real-world evidence consistently show significant weight loss in individuals treated with SGLT-2i, independent of their glucose-lowering properties. The weight loss observed is smaller than expected due to adaptive mechanisms that increase energy intake to counterbalance the loss. Combining SGLT-2i with appetite-suppressing drugs, such as GLP-1 analogs, may enhance weight reduction. However, further research is needed to optimize the weight-reducing effects and explore combination therapies. Despite these limitations, SGLT-2i remains valuable in managing obesity and offers benefits beyond glycemic control.