As part of the upcoming national plan to combat obesity set for the fall of 2025, the government is poised to take a significant step: allowing general practitioners to prescribe medications previously limited to specialists, such as Wegovy or Mounjaro. This anticipated measure aims to enhance access to treatments in a country where nearly one in five adults is affected by obesity, marking a pivotal shift in public health strategy against an escalating chronic disease.
According to the latest figures from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), over 17% of adults in France suffer from obesity, equating to approximately 8.6 million individuals.
While the number of pharmaceutical treatments for obesity has increased in recent years, access remains restricted. This is why the government is considering granting general practitioners the ability to prescribe medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro, which were previously limited to endocrinologists and diabetologists.
This initiative is part of the future national obesity plan scheduled for implementation in the fall of 2025.
A turning point in the medical management of obesity
A chronic condition often underestimated
Once incorrectly viewed as merely an issue of willpower or lifestyle, obesity is now recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a complex chronic disease. It stems from a combination of genetic, hormonal, psychological, and environmental factors, significantly increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders.
A survey by Public Health France in 2023 found that 17% of the adult population is affected by obesity, alongside nearly 6% of children aged 6 to 17 years. The prevalence of this condition has doubled over the past 40 years, with social inequalities exacerbating the issue, as lower-income populations face greater exposure due to limited access to balanced diets and specialized care.
Limited access to pharmacological treatments
Until now, the prescription of anti-obesity medications such as Wegovy (semaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been strictly regulated. Only select hospital specialists are authorized to prescribe them following a complex care pathway, effectively excluding a large number of patients.
Wegovy, marketed by Novo Nordisk, was approved in France in 2023 for individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight with comorbidities. It works by reducing appetite through hormonal action. Mounjaro, developed by Eli Lilly, has shown remarkable results, with average weight loss of 20% within a year in certain clinical trials.
A cornerstone of the future obesity plan
Expanding prescriptions to general practitioners: a strategic decision
The Ministry of Health plans to include the extension of prescription authority to general practitioners in the forthcoming national obesity taskforce, to be presented in autumn 2025. This decision is driven by the aim to improve access to care, alleviate strain on specialized services, and meet increasing demand.
This initiative would enable thousands of patients, especially in rural areas or medical deserts, to more easily access these treatments. “We can no longer leave effective treatments confined to a minority,” states a source close to the minister’s office, as reported by Actu.fr. However, this reform will come with strict guidelines to prevent misuse.
Specific eligibility criteria and mandatory support
The use of these medications will only proceed after a clear diagnosis based on body mass index (BMI) and the potential presence of comorbidities (such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc.). Specialized training may be provided to general practitioners to ensure responsible prescribing.
Moreover, prescriptions will not be separate from nutritional and psychological support. Medications should only be administered as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Hope for patients, caution from professionals
A powerful therapeutic tool but not without risks
The clinical outcomes of medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro are undeniable. In a study published in 2022 in The New England Journal of Medicine, patients treated with tirzepatide lost an average of 21% of their initial weight over 72 weeks. These results exceed those of traditional approaches (diet and physical activity alone).
However, these treatments also carry side effects, including nausea, gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, and in rare cases, gallbladder disorders. Their high cost (several hundred euros per month) poses another potential barrier to widespread adoption, especially since reimbursement by health insurance remains conditional.
Vigilance against the risk of misuse
As more prescriptions become available, some healthcare professionals worry about the trivialization of medication as an “easy” solution. The National Collective of Obese Associations (CNAO) warns that these drugs should not be seen as miracle cures that can replace comprehensive and personalized therapies.
The ministry plans to launch an informational campaign aimed at the public and healthcare professionals to prevent casual prescriptions and reinforce therapeutic education.
An ambitious reform amid concerning public health challenges
A necessary response to a silent crisis
With nearly 1 billion individuals suffering from obesity worldwide according to the WHO, and projections indicating that 25 million people in France may be affected by 2030 (including those simply overweight), the healthcare system must adapt. Recognizing obesity as a chronic disease requiring specific medical care signifies a paradigm shift.
This reform aimed at widening access to medications fits within a secondary prevention framework: reducing complications, enhancing quality of life, and minimizing long-term costs. It may also help break down the stigma surrounding obesity, which is often marginalized.
Towards democratizing care in general practice
Empowering general practitioners to prescribe these treatments also acknowledges their critical role in managing chronic diseases. They typically serve as the first point of contact for patients and are best positioned to establish regular follow-ups.
If properly regulated, this measure could greatly enhance the effectiveness of care pathways for obesity. It remains essential to ensure equitable access to treatments, proper training for physicians, and clear communication to patients.
The ability for general practitioners to prescribe anti-obesity medications marks a significant advancement in combating this hidden epidemic. By facilitating access to effective treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro, the government sends a strong message: obesity is a disease that deserves commensurate responses. However, this expansion must be accompanied by stringent oversight to ensure appropriate, safe, and ethical usage.
Note
In France, the recognition of obesity as a chronic disease took time to be established. Once seen purely as a dietary behavior issue, it was long marginalized within health policies. Since the early 2000s, health authorities, influenced by the WHO, began to regard it as a legitimate pathology. In 2011, the National Obesity Plan marked the first step towards comprehensive treatment. Today, this recognition is reinforced, with a new impetus expected in the 2025 anti-obesity plan focusing on prevention, care, and reducing access inequalities.
