Germany obesity drug use rises amid health insurance cost concerns

The use of weight loss injections for obesity treatment is increasing in Germany, with 12% of the population already using them and an additional 27% considering the therapy. This trend follows similar patterns in the United States, where usage stands at 17%.

However, the rise in demand has sparked concerns regarding the financial impact on statutory health insurance (GKV). Carola Reimann, head of the AOK Federal Association, warned that covering these medications for all GKV-insured obesity patients with a BMI of 30 or higher could result in annual costs of approximately 45 billion euros in a maximum-scenario projection. Even if coverage is limited to those with a BMI of 35 or higher, estimated annual costs could reach 14 billion euros.

Reimann also highlighted the risks of a "huge media hype" leading to use for cosmetic reasons without medical necessity. She criticized the high entry prices of new medications and noted that while the GKV is willing to pay for therapies with proven high added value, there is a growing concern regarding drugs entering the market with high costs but insufficient evidence of additional benefit.