France to reimburse weight-loss drugs for severely obese patients

Thursday 28 May 2026 - 07:45

France is set to begin reimbursing weight-loss medications for severely obese patients starting in mid-June, according to Health Minister Stéphanie Rist. The decision marks a significant step in the country’s public health strategy to address rising obesity rates and improve access to modern treatments.

The reimbursement program will include widely discussed anti-obesity drugs such as Wegovy, produced by Novo Nordisk, and Mounjaro, developed by Eli Lilly. Both injectable treatments have gained international attention for their effectiveness in helping patients manage obesity and related health conditions.

Under the new policy, eligibility will be limited to patients with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 accompanied by at least one obesity-related illness, or patients with a BMI of 40 or higher regardless of additional medical conditions. French authorities estimate that up to one million people could potentially benefit from the measure.

The French government plans to reimburse 65% of the treatment cost. However, many eligible patients may ultimately receive full coverage due to the presence of associated health complications. Doctors will maintain discretion over prescriptions, ensuring that treatments are provided based on medical necessity.

Currently, patients in France pay approximately €300 per month for these medications, making affordability a major issue for many households. Officials believe that public reimbursement could improve access to treatment and reduce long-term healthcare costs linked to obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and hypertension.

Health experts view the decision as part of a broader international trend toward recognizing obesity as a chronic medical condition requiring long-term care and medical support rather than solely lifestyle changes. Demand for anti-obesity medications has surged globally over the past two years, leading to increased attention from governments, healthcare systems, and pharmaceutical companies.

The French government estimates that the reimbursement program could eventually cost the state around €100 million annually once fully implemented. Authorities are expected to finalize the remaining administrative procedures before the measure officially enters into force in mid-June.

The initiative may also influence healthcare policies across Europe as countries continue evaluating the economic and medical impact of next-generation obesity treatments.