A Meta-Analysis of Body Composition Changes Associated With Long-term Use of Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors
Authors' conclusion
SGLT2 inhibitor therapy is associated with reductions in fat mass and body weight while preserving fat-free mass. These findings suggest a potential protective effect on muscle and other lean components; however, the limited number and heterogeneity of the included studies warrant cautious interpretation.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with T2D; RCTs with ≥12 months follow-up; PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase to April 22, 2024
- Participants
- 695 patients5 RCTs
- Comparison
- SGLT2i vs control
- Outcome
- Body composition: fat mass and fat-free mass
- Follow-up
- ≥12 months
Methodological detailsRCTs with ≥12 months of follow-up
- RCTs with ≥12 months of follow-up
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Fat mass and fat-free mass
Each group vs controlEstimate (95% CI)P value
SGLT2i
MD (fat mass) −1.26 kg(−2.26 to −0.26)
P = 0.014SGLT2i
MD (fat-free mass) −0.53 kg(−1.62 to 0.56)
P = 0.34Further pooled results
| Outcome | MD (kg) (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body weightSGLT2ivs Control | −3.24 (−4.38 to −2.10) | P < 0.0001 | |
| −6−4−202Difference, kg (linear scale) |
| Outcome | MD (cm) (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waist circumferenceSGLT2ivs Control | −0.96 (−3.30 to 1.37) | P = 0.42 | |
| −4−202Difference, cm (linear scale) |
Original publication
A Meta-Analysis of Body Composition Changes Associated With Long-term Use of Sodium–Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors. Endocr Pract. Published 17 December 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →