France Announces Government Coverage for Weight Loss Medication Costs

France has announced that the government will cover the cost of medications prescribed by doctors for patients suffering from severe obesity. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist stated that starting from mid-June, the government will cover between 65% and 100% of the medication expenses. This benefit will be available to patients with at least a 35 body mass index (BMI) who have additional health issues, or those with a BMI of 40 or higher.

France is the first member state of the European Union to implement such a benefit. Medications like Novo Nordisk’s ‘Wegovy’ and Eli Lilly’s ‘Mounjaro,’ which are administered by injection, are considered effective solutions to the rapidly increasing global obesity epidemic. Currently, patients in France spend an average of 300 euros per month on these drugs.

According to Minister Rist, once the new package is fully implemented, the French government is expected to bear an annual financial burden of approximately 10 million euros. The benefit will be available only to patients with at least a 35 BMI accompanied by obesity-related health conditions. Although the targeted population in France numbers around one million, access to this benefit will require a special prescription from a physician.

While the government will cover 65% of these medication costs, Minister Rist noted that most patients suffering from obesity-related health issues will receive full coverage. Atien Tichet, head of Novo Nordisk France, welcomed the government’s move, saying it addresses the growing public health challenge and the need for appropriate treatment.