Unveiling Longitudinal Weight Dynamics in Type 2 Diabetes: Insights From a Comprehensive Care Program

Background and Aims

Overweight and obesity are prevalent conditions that contribute to significant health problems, including type two diabetes (T2D). Moderate weight loss improves metabolic control and cardiovascular risk. We aimed to identify the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with T2D who experienced weight changes after a multidisciplinary intervention.

Methods

We analyzed 622 patients with complete 3-year follow-up information. Inclusion criteria were less than 5-years since diabetes diagnosis and an absence of disabling chronic complications. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for group comparisons, and logistic regression to identify predictors of weight change.

Results

Participants were 56.2 % women, with an average age of 55.8 ± 10.5 years. 53 % were overweight and 47 % were obese at baseline. At 3-years, 35.5 % lost weight, 33.9 % maintained weight, and 30.5 % gained weight; 16.6 % achieved a normal weight. Patients who gained weight were younger than those who lost or maintained it (60 vs. 61 years, p = 0.04). Higher baseline HbA1c (OR 1.14, 95 % CI 1.03–1.26, p = 0.008) and lower quality of life at three months (OR 1.48, 95 % CI 0.95–2.28, p = 0.07) were associated with weight gain. Higher baseline BMI (OR 0.90, 95 % CI 0.85–0.95, p < 0.001), longer diabetes duration (OR 0.81, 95 % CI 0.70–0.94, p = 0.005), and iSGLT2 treatment were linked to weight loss.

Conclusion

Only 16 % of patients achieved normal weight after 3-years: 35.5 % lost weight, 33.9 % maintained their weight, and 30.5 % gained weight. Identifying predictors of weight change may guide targeted interventions in diabetes care.