France Takes Bold Step to Subsidize Weight-Loss Drugs

France will reimburse weight-loss drugs for severely obese patients starting mid-June. The move, targeting those with a BMI of 35+ with comorbidities or BMI 40+, affects up to 1 million people. Reimbursement could reach 100% coverage, costing the state around €100 million annually.

France is set to begin reimbursing weight-loss drugs for severely obese individuals starting mid-June, Health Minister Stephanie Rist disclosed during a TF1 interview on Thursday.

The medications, Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, have garnered global attention for their effectiveness in combating obesity. This initiative aims to benefit patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 35 with one or more comorbidities or those with a BMI of 40 or more, irrespective of other health conditions.

With up to 1,000,000 people potentially eligible, the reimbursement marks a significant investment in public health, anticipated to cost the state approximately €100 million annually. Although standard reimbursement is set at 65%, most eligible patients are expected to receive full coverage due to their additional health issues, according to Minister Rist.