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France Leads EU in Reimbursing Weight-Loss Medication
28 May
Summary
- France will reimburse weight-loss drugs for severely obese patients.
- Annual cost to the state is estimated at €100 million.
- Reimbursement covers 65% of costs, often with full coverage.
Starting mid-June, France will become the first European Union country to reimburse the cost of weight-loss drugs for severely obese patients. Health Minister Stephanie Rist announced that this measure targets a significant public health challenge.
The reimbursement will apply to medications such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro. Patients will receive coverage for treatments if they have a BMI of at least 35 with a comorbidity, or a BMI of 40 or higher. The state anticipates an annual cost of approximately €100 million for this program.
While drugs are reimbursed at 65%, most eligible patients are expected to have 100% coverage due to existing health conditions. Anti-obesity drugs have been available via prescription in France since 2024, and this new policy signifies a commitment to managing chronic diseases more effectively.
