France will become the first country in the European Union to permanently reimburse weight-loss drugs under its national health insurance system, Health Minister Stéphanie Rist announced on Thursday. Starting 15 June, patients prescribed medications such as Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro will be eligible for state coverage.
“I am quite proud, because we are the first country in the European Union to provide reimbursement under standard coverage, on a permanent basis,” Rist said on French television. The reimbursement rate is set at 65%, but the minister noted that virtually all patients will be fully covered because they have comorbidities such as hypertension or diabetes. “For the vast majority it will be reimbursed at 100%,” she added.
A New Generation of Treatments
Wegovy and Mounjaro belong to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications mimic a hormone that reduces appetite, helping patients lose weight. They have gained significant attention globally for their efficacy, but high prices have limited access. In France, patients currently pay around €300 per month for the injections.
The drugs have been available by prescription since 2024, but until now they were not approved for reimbursement by the national health insurance system. In June 2025, France expanded prescribing rights to all doctors, not just specialists such as endocrinologists, a move that increased accessibility.
As of late January, more than 70,000 patients were being treated with Mounjaro in France, according to estimates. The new reimbursement policy is expected to significantly increase uptake.
Obesity in France and Europe
According to the 2024 National Epidemiological Survey on Overweight and Obesity, approximately 18% of the French population—around 10 million people—are obese. Across the European Union, data from the European Parliament indicates that 51% of people aged 16 and above are overweight, and 17% are obese.
France's decision places it ahead of other EU member states in addressing obesity through pharmaceutical reimbursement. The move could set a precedent for other countries grappling with rising obesity rates and the associated healthcare costs. Greece has also been recognized by the WHO for its efforts in combating childhood obesity, highlighting a broader European focus on weight-related health issues.
The policy also aligns with broader European discussions on healthcare spending and pharmaceutical pricing. As energy costs rise and fiscal pressures mount, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been pushing Brussels for fiscal relief, underscoring the delicate balance between public health investments and budget constraints.
France's move is likely to be watched closely by other European governments, particularly as the pharmaceutical industry continues to develop new weight-loss treatments. The decision reflects a growing recognition of obesity as a chronic disease requiring long-term medical management, rather than a lifestyle issue.
