# German obesity medication reimbursement debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-obesity-medication-reimbursement-debate > Updated: 2026-08-23T01:42:30.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Discussions regarding the reimbursement of GLP-1-based weight-loss medications in Germany have intensified. Sonja Optendrenk, chair of the Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA), suggested that statutory health insurance should consider covering drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro, which are currently classified as “lifestyle” products paid for out-of-pocket. Optendrenk proposed that the legislature task the G-BA with defining qualifying patient groups and treatment durations, while noting the necessity of accompanying lifestyle measures. As usage trends rise, with 12% of the German population using these injections and 27% considering them, concerns regarding the financial burden on statutory health insurance (GKV) have emerged. Carola Reimann, head of the AOK Federal Association, warned that covering patients with a BMI of 30 or higher could cost approximately 45 billion euros annually, while coverage for those with a BMI of 35 or higher could reach 14 billion euros. Reimann also cautioned against a “huge media hype” driving cosmetic use without medical necessity and raised concerns about high drug prices relative to the evidence of their additional medical benefit. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: Germany obesity drug use rises amid health insurance cost concerns Rising use of weight loss injections in Germany has prompted warnings from AOK head Carola Reimann regarding potential multi-billion euro costs for statutory health insurance. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-obesity-drug-use-rises-amid-health-insurance-cost-concerns ### 2026-08-02: German G‑BA Chair Sonja Optendrenk Mulls Reimbursement for Weight‑Loss Injections German G‑BA chair Sonja Optendrenk says the health system should consider reimbursing GL‑1 weight‑loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro, while a Wegovy tablet is set to launch in Germany. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-gba-chair-sonja-optendrenk-backs-reimbursement-of-obesity-injections --- Cite as: German obesity medication reimbursement debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-obesity-medication-reimbursement-debate