Changes in weight secondary to improved odor perception in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps’ patients treated with Dupilumab

The advent of biologic therapies, notably Dupilumab, has transformed therapeutic approaches to nasal polyposis. This retrospective multicentric study aimed to investigate weight changes in CRSwNP patients undergoing Dupilumab treatment and explore potential correlations with olfactory improvement.

Ninety-six patients with CRSwNP were followed for at least 12 months, with assessments including BMI (Body Mass Index), olfactory function, and disease severity.

Significant increases in BMI and olfactory perception were observed after 1 year of Dupilumab treatment (p < .001). Subgroup analysis showed that patients with hyposmia and normosmia at T12 (1-year follow up) experienced significant weight gain (p < .001) alongside improved olfaction (both p < .001). Conversely, patients with anosmia after 1 year of therapy and also patients with stable or worsened olfaction did not show significant BMI changes (respectively p = .201 and p = .107).

While these findings suggest a correlation between olfactory improvement and weight gain/BMI, factors like improved nasal airflow and corticosteroid cessation under Dupilumab treatment may also influence weight in CRPwNP patients. The study highlights the need for further research to elucidate the causal relationship and long-term implications of Dupilumab-induced olfactory improvement on weight regulation.