France to Reimburse Wegovy and Mounjaro for Severe Obesity
France is the first European Union country to permanently reimburse anti-obesity medications under common law, starting June 15, according to Health Minister Stéphanie Rist. The measure covers Wegovy and Mounjaro for patients with severe obesity who failed previous nutritional treatments, as confirmed in two decrees published May 28, 2026.
Wegovy, produced by Novo Nordisk, contains semaglutide. Mounjaro, produced by Eli Lilly, uses tirzepatide. Both are GLP-1 analogues administered via weekly injections that target energy metabolism and satiety.
Who is eligible for the drug reimbursement?
Reimbursement applies to patients with massive or severe obesity, defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher without comorbidities, or 35 or higher with comorbidities. Patients must also show that prior nutritional care failed to produce a weight loss of more than 5% over six months.
The state will reimburse 65% of the cost, provided the patient maintains a low-calorie diet and engages in regular physical activity. Pierre-Yves Geoffard, a professor at the Paris School of Economics, questioned the practicality of these rules, asking if inspectors from the Haute Autorité de Santé would actually verify a patient’s daily exercise or refrigerator contents.
How are these treatments prescribed?
The first prescription is restricted to physicians in university hospitals, specialized obesity centers, or nutrition and endocrinology departments. To obtain the medication at a pharmacy, the secure prescription must be accompanied by a form generated through the health insurance (Assurance maladie) teleservice.
These restrictions may limit the number of patients accessing reimbursement in the early weeks. Eric Myon, a Parisian pharmacist and secretary general of the UNPF, stated he does not expect a rapid surge in demand because doctors cannot see all interested patients by the summer. Myon noted that some of the 15 people per week visiting his pharmacy for these drugs will likely continue paying out of pocket.
The decision follows favorable opinions from the Haute Autorité de Santé, which approved Wegovy in December 2024 and Mounjaro in December 2025.
What is the financial impact on the French health system?
The market for these treatments in France currently reaches 150 million euros. According to Iqvia data, this market was 20 times smaller in 2024.
The Ministry of Health estimates the total cost to the health insurance system will be 100 million euros by 2027. This figure suggests the public financial burden remains measured despite the expansion of coverage.
What may happen next for obesity care?
The market could shift as oral tablet versions of these medications, which may be cheaper than injections, become available. Alexandre Fauconnier of the consultancy firm Kearney suggested that French authorities may want to accelerate the adoption of oral forms to establish a more cost-effective maintenance treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which medications are now reimbursed in France?
Wegovy (semaglutide by Novo Nordisk) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide by Eli Lilly) are the two GLP-1 analogues covered under the new measure.
What is the required BMI for reimbursement?
Patients must have a BMI of 40 or higher without comorbidities, or 35 or higher if comorbidities are present.
Can a general practitioner write the first prescription?
No. The first prescription is reserved for doctors in nutrition and endocrinology departments, university hospitals, or specialized obesity centers.
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