Date confirmed for obesity drug refund in France
Wegovy and Mounjaro medications will be covered under France’s health scheme
The measure brings significant financial relief to patients
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The date has been set for the start of reimbursement for the use of two anti-obesity drugs, Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Until now, only a vague timeline had been given, with reimbursement expected around mid-June. However, it has now been officially confirmed that patients will be able to receive refunds for both medications from June 15.
The initiative follows recommendations from the French National Authority for Health (HAS), and responds to the fact that 17.4% of adults in France were classified as obese in 2025. It makes France the first EU country to refund obesity drugs.
The measure brings significant financial relief to patients, as until now the prices were set by the manufacturers, with the drugs costing patients between approximately €250 and €450 per month.
Under the new scheme, the national health insurance system will cover 65% of the cost. Depending on individual circumstances, insurance status, exemptions and supplementary health cover, reimbursement could rise to 100%.
In addition, fixed prices have been established for both drugs. Wegovy, produced by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, will cost €146.91 per month for the first three dosage levels and €195.10 for the highest dosages.
Mounjaro, manufactured by the American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, will be priced between €6 and €14 per day, depending on the dosage.
Both drugs work by slowing digestion and creating a feeling of fullness, helping patients lose weight more easily.
However, conditions apply, as not everyone will be eligible for reimbursement. The scheme is aimed at patients who qualify for bariatric surgery (a group of surgeries that modify the digestive system), patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above, patients aged 35 or above with a related comorbidity.
The treatment can only be prescribed as a second-line option where nutritional management has not been successful, and it must be combined with a low-calorie diet and regular physical activity.
Finally, the drugs cannot be prescribed by just any doctor, but only by those working in the management of level 2 and level 3 obesity. These include doctors working in:
Specialised Obesity Centres (CSO)
University Hospitals (CHU)
Medical and Rehabilitation Care Establishments (SMR) specialising in gastroenterology, endocrinology, diabetology and nutrition
Endocrinologists working in conjunction with a CSO
Subsequent prescriptions may then be provided by general practitioners.
Patients who meet the above criteria will be able to have their medications reimbursed from June 15.
