France becomes first EU country to cover obesity drugs

France will begin reimbursing patients with severe obesity for the cost of weight-loss medications starting in mid-June, becoming the first European Union country to provide such coverage on a permanent basis. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist announced the policy, which will apply to Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro.

The reimbursement will cover 65 percent of the drug costs through the national health insurance system. However, officials stated that the vast majority of eligible patients, due to existing comorbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, will receive full coverage through supplemental insurance. Patients have been paying approximately 300 euros per month out of pocket for these treatments.

Eligibility for the program is strictly limited to individuals with severe obesity. Coverage is reserved for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 who also have at least one related health condition, or for those with a BMI of at least 40 regardless of comorbidities. Health authorities estimate the target population for the program at around one million people, though the actual number of recipients will depend on individual...