German G‑BA Chair Sonja Optendrenk Mulls Reimbursement for Weight‑Loss Injections

Sonja Optendrenk, the newly appointed chair of Germany’s Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G‑BA), told Der Spiegel that the country’s discussion on obesity is “backward” and that the statutory health insurance should consider covering GLP‑1‑based weight‑loss medicines. She highlighted drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, which are currently classified as “lifestyle” products and paid for out‑of‑pocket, costing several hundred euros per month. Optendrenk suggested that the G‑BA be tasked by the legislature to define which patient groups would qualify, the treatment duration and any required accompanying measures.

She noted the lack of long‑term studies and warned that weight often returns quickly after stopping the injection, meaning the drug alone cannot be a stand‑alone therapy. Optendrenk also referenced other countries, such as the United Kingdom, that already treat obesity as a disease eligible for reimbursement.

Separately, the oral tablet form of Wegovy, containing the same active ingredient semaglutide, is expected to become available in Germany from September. The tablet requires strict adherence to dosing rules to ensure adequate absorption, and it is intended as a prescription‑only long‑term medication that complements diet and exercise rather than replacing them.