Obesity has become a major public health issue in France. It currently affects more than 8 million individuals, and prevalence continues to rise. Projections estimate that nearly 20 million French citizens could be living with obesity by 2030 [1].
Once regarded merely as a lifestyle concern, obesity is now recognized as a complex chronic disease. However, in France, this institutional recognition remains incomplete: the absence of official ALD (Affection Longue Durée) status restricts treatment reimbursement and hampers the development of a coordinated care pathway.
Despite its growing prevalence, obesity is still not fully integrated into chronic disease management frameworks in France. This delay directly affects access to innovative treatments and the structuring of care pathways. For the pharmaceutical industry, this context creates both market opportunities and regulatory challenges.
During the Breakfast Briefing organized by APLUSA, patients expressed a mixture of hope and frustration. They demonstrated strong interest in innovative obesity therapies, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are perceived as more effective than conventional diets.
Nevertheless, several barriers remain: high treatment costs, frequent supply shortages, and administrative burdens [8,10].
“I have tried every diet. For the first time, a treatment is delivering real results… but I have no guarantee that I will be able to continue.” Patient, APLUSA Obesity Breakfast Briefing 2025
These insights highlight the importance of integrating the patient perspective into development strategies and market access planning.
|
Product |
Mechanism |
Weight loss |
Development Phase |
|
Wegovy (semaglutide) |
GLP-1 |
-14,9 % (STEP-1) |
Marketed [3] |
|
Mounjaro (tirzépatide) |
GLP-1 + GIP |
-15–21 % (SURMOUNT-1) |
Marketed [4] |
|
Retatrutide |
GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon |
-24 % (48 weeks) |
Phase 3 [5] |
|
CagriSema |
GLP-1 + amyline |
-20–22 % |
Phase 3 [6] |
|
Orforglipron |
Oral GLP-1 |
-10–12 % |
Phase 3 [7] |
While these innovations open significant opportunities for the obesity pharmaceutical market, they also raise critical questions about reimbursement access and economic sustainability.
The obesity care pathway remains fragmented and under-resourced. The 37 Specialized Obesity Centers (CSO) treat only 20,000 patients annually [9].
Although 70% of patients discuss obesity with their physician, only 24% receive a structured treatment plan [8]. Furthermore, fewer than 15% of patients followed in CSOs have access to psychological support [12].
This situation underscores the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach involving primary care, hospital-based specialists, and psychological support.
The cost of obesity in France is estimated at €12.7 billion in 2024 and could rise to €15.4 billion by 2030 [2].
At the OECD level, obesity accounts for 3.3% of GDP [13].
For pharmaceutical companies, these figures reflect both the scale of unmet needs and the opportunity to contribute to reducing this burden through innovative therapeutic solutions.
United States: rapid uptake of GLP-1 therapies, but marked by significant disparities in access [14].
Denmark: a national strategy combining progressive reimbursement and school-based prevention, with measurable impact on diabetes incidence [15].
HIV experience: the success of triple therapy and expanded access to PrEP illustrate the transformative potential of collective mobilization [16].
These international experiences demonstrate that success relies on an integrated strategy combining market access, prevention, and patient support.
APLUSA leverages the patient voice to generate strategic insights, maps real-world care pathways using RWE (Real-World Evidence) and HEOR (Health Economics and Outcomes Research) data, and supports pharmaceutical companies in preparing market access and reimbursement dossiers. Our expertise enables healthcare stakeholders to better understand the pharmaceutical obesity market and anticipate its evolution.
Obesity in France stands at a pivotal moment. Pharmacological innovation and international benchmarks demonstrate that success depends on collective mobilization, bringing together patients, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the pharmaceutical industry.
It is time to make obesity the next major public health success story.
What new obesity treatments are currently available in France?
GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are already marketed. Other molecules, including retatrutide and CagriSema, are currently in Phase 3 clinical trials.
What is the economic cost of obesity in France?
The direct and indirect cost of obesity is estimated at €12.7 billion in 2024 and could reach €15.4 billion by 2030.
Is obesity recognized as a chronic disease in France?
Yes, but only partially. The absence of official ALD status currently limits reimbursement and coordinated care pathways.
What role does APLUSA play in obesity care and market access?
APLUSA supports pharmaceutical companies through market research, patient pathway analysis (RWE/HEOR), and preparation of market access and reimbursement submissions.
References
[1] ObEpi-Roche 2020 – National obesity survey in France.
[2] Asterès 2024 – Obesity in France: current cost and 2030 projections.
[3] Wilding JPH et al. NEJM 2021 – STEP-1 trial, semaglutide 2.4mg.
[4] Jastreboff AM et al. NEJM 2022 – SURMOUNT-1 trial, tirzepatide.
[5] NEJM 2023 – Retatrutide Phase 2 results.
[6] ADA 2025, Lancet (submitted) – CagriSema REDEFINE.
[7] Lilly – Orforglipron Phase 3 ATTAIN 2024–25.
[8] ACTION-FRANCE 2023 – Patient survey (J Clin Med).
[9] DGOS 2023 – Report on Specialized Obesity Centers.
[10] HAS/CEPS 2024 – Notes on Wegovy and reimbursement.
[11] US RWE 2023–24 – GLP-1 adherence data.
[12] FFO 2022 – Psychological follow-up report, CSO.
[13] OECD 2023 – The Heavy Burden of Obesity.
[14] US real-world data, IQVIA 2024.
[15] Danish Ministry of Health 2023 – National obesity strategy.
[16] Fauci A. et al. – HIV, success of triple therapy (1990s)