France Becomes First EU Country to Reimburse Anti-Obesity Drugs, Minister Says

French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist confirmed that France will reimburse weight-loss medications for patients with severe obesity from mid-June. This groundbreaking move makes France the first country in the European Union to implement such a policy.

The reimbursement will cover Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, two popular anti-obesity treatments, which have garnered attention as obesity rates continue to rise globally. Rist estimated that the annual cost of this program could reach around €100 million (approximately $116 million) once fully rolled out.

Currently, patients in France pay an average of €300 per month for these drugs. The targeted population for this initiative is around one million, though prescriptions will be based on individual medical assessments.

The reimbursement will be available for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 35 along with at least one related health condition or a BMI of at least 40 regardless of comorbidities. The costs will generally be reimbursed at a rate of 65%, but most eligible patients will benefit from 100% coverage due to their health conditions.

Minister Rist highlighted that this policy addresses a significant public health challenge and underscores the government's commitment to providing appropriate therapeutic care.

The introduction of these drugs into the French medical system began in 2024. The move has been positively received by health officials and pharmaceutical companies, with comments from the General Manager of Novo Nordisk France noting that it demonstrates France's foresight in tackling chronic diseases.

With this policy, France sets a precedent in European healthcare, potentially influencing other nations to address obesity as a growing public health priority.