France to reimburse anti‑obesity drugs as Italy urges comparable access

From 15 June 2024 France’s health service will begin reimbursing the anti‑obesity medications tirzepatide and semaglutide for patients with severe obesity, using strict clinical criteria and specialist centers.

The Italian Society of Obesity (SIO) has sent a letter to national health authorities urging Italy to adopt a similar reimbursement pathway. SIO President Silvio Buscemi said the French decision “recognises the value of new therapies for patients with the most severe forms of obesity” and highlighted the need for “appropriate and sustainable” access in Italy. Italian activists note that, despite the enactment of Law 149/2025 – which classified obesity as a chronic disease – funding has not been deployed, regional disparities persist, and patients still bear the full cost of treatment. The society has proposed technical criteria mirroring France’s model and is seeking collaboration with the government, regions, AIFA and health agencies.