health
17 cases of serious side effects reported in France linked to misuse of weight-loss drugs
Two-thirds of cases involve medicines such as Wegovy and Mounjaro obtained without consulting a doctor
Published
France’s medicines regulator has issued an alert over serious complications linked to the misuse of drugs used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, including their use for weight loss outside medical supervision.
The agency, the Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé (ANSM), received 36 reports of adverse effects linked to inappropriate use of the medicines between February 2025 and January 2026. From these, 17 were classed as serious, including five cases of acute pancreatitis.
In two-thirds of the cases, the medicines had been acquired without consulting a doctor, either online or through friends, family or abroad.
Online sales of prescription medicines are illegal in France.
In more than nine out of 10 cases, doses were too high or had been increased too quickly.
The ANSM also said that cases indicated nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition, as well as possible interactions with other medicines.
The study reported two deaths that may have been linked to acute pancreatitis, a known side effect of GLP-1 medicines, which include drugs used to treat obesity. Two other deaths may have been linked to lactic acidosis in patients with diabetes taking metformin, as the risk increases with these medicines, especially in cases of dehydration.
Lactic acidosis is a potentially life-threatening condition in which lactate builds up in the bloodstream and makes the blood too acidic. It can occur when the body produces more lactate than it can clear.
The agency said that these medicines still have a favourable benefit-risk balance but only when used according to medical recommendations.
For now, the ANSM continues to monitor potential risks associated with these medicines, including eye problems, strokes, erectile dysfunction, infections or inflammations of the gallbladder and liver damage.
Who can get weight-loss drugs in France?
Weight-loss drugs based on GLP-1, a hormone involved in appetite regulation and blood sugar control, include Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda. They are used for weight management, and Ozempic, which is indicated for type 2 diabetes, but can also cause weight loss.
However, there are thresholds on when they can be administered. Assurance Maladie, France’s national health insurance body, says Wegovy and Mounjaro may be prescribed for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, or a BMI between 27 and 30 if they have at least one associated health condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea.
They are meant to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity and not as a quick fix for cosmetic weight loss.
While any doctor can prescribe Wegovy, Mounjaro or Saxenda, a prescription does not necessarily mean reimbursement.
When are Wegovy and Mounjaro reimbursed?
Starting June 15, 2026, Wegovy and Mounjaro have been eligible for reimbursement.
Assurance Maladie states that patients eligible for reimburshment must have an initial BMI of at least 40, or at least 35 alongside a qualifying weight-related health condition.
They must also have not been able to achieve sufficient weight loss after six months of appropriate nutritional management.
Additionally, the initial prescription, in order for the medicine to be reimbursed, cannot be issued by a GP, but by an authorised specialist involved in obesity care. Subsequent prescriptions can then be issued by any doctor.
Eligible patients can receive 65% reimbursement through state health insurance, although the amount ultimately covered may vary according to individual circumstances and supplementary insurance.
