The introduction of anti-obesity treatments like Wegovy from Novo Nordisk and Mounjaro from Eli Lilly in 2024 has generated significant interest due to their effectiveness in weight loss for patients with severe obesity.Currently, these drugs are not reimbursed in France, as noted by Southwest. However, this could change as the High Authority for Health (HAS) has opened the possibility of coverage for well-targeted cases.

Ongoing discussions about reimbursement face a significant challenge: cost. While the therapeutic benefits are clear,the potential financial burden on social Security is a major concern. These drugs,known as GLP-1 analogs,mimic a digestive hormone to promote satiety and weight loss.while some private insurers in the United States cover them, reimbursement in Europe is rare. French laboratories have stated they are loans to provide the market, but expanding prescription rights to all doctors could rapidly increase demand.

“When there is too much gap, at the end there is no deal”

Obesity costs 12.7 billion euros per year to France

The potential surge in demand is a key concern. According to the HAS, Between 1 and 2.1 million patients could be eligible for Wegovy. However, a price has not yet been determined, making it unfeasible to accurately assess the impact on public finances. The CNAM is taking a cautious approach, deeming it “premature” to quantify the reimbursement costs.Simultaneously, the health expenditure alert committee recently highlighted a “serious risk” of exceeding expenses in 2025.

Some argue that the immediate costs could be offset by long-term benefits. Obesity, a risk factor for numerous chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers, already costs France 12.7 billion euros per year. This figure could surpass 15 billion euros by 2030, according to a study by the Asérès office commissioned by Novo Nordisk.The OECD estimates that every euro invested in obesity prevention generates a 6 euros return on investment