Study: SGLT2 Inhibitors Promote Weight Loss More Than GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who were prescribed sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors lost significantly more weight than those who were prescribed glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs), according to the findings of a new study led by investigators at the University at Buffalo.

Investigators aimed to evaluate the differences in weight loss caused by GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2 inhibitors, both of which are frequently prescribed for T2D. Among 72 patients, individuals receiving SGLT2 inhibitors experienced a median weight loss of more than 6 lb, compared with a median of 2.5 lb among those receiving GLP-1 RAs.

Canagliflozin was the most commonly prescribed SGLT2 inhibitor, and liraglutide was the most commonly prescribed GLP-1 RA, according to the study results.

No significant differences were found in blood pressure, blood sugar levels, or kidney function after use of the medications.

The findings suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors may be more protective
against weight gain caused by other antidiabetic drugs than GLP-1 RAs, according to a statement.

The findings also go against earlier research, which showed that GLP-1 RAs are the superior antidiabetic drug for weight loss, according to the study authors.

They added that although the weight loss caused by the drug is small, the study results warrant larger investigations that examine the medications’ impact on weight.

REFERENCE

Antidiabetic drug causes double the weight loss of competitor in type 2 diabetes patients. News release. University at Buffalo. July 1, 2021. Accessed July 6, 2021. http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2021/07/001.html