The Injection treatments, long reserved for a handful of specialists, are preparing to upset the lives of millions of French. These innovative solutions now cross the threshold of the cabinet of the generalist, carried by a wave expected for years. For those whoobesity enclosed in repetitive patterns, this discreet turn gives hope and promises to transform the medical daily. Far from the big evening, it is a gentle revolution: like a snowball, the movement is expanding and could change everything, from the path of care to access to treatments.
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Obesity: the turn is now – Two star treatments soon available in your family doctor
Image for a moment: these injectable treatments, previously the privilege of a small circle of specialists, could become accessible directly via your general practitioner. In waiting rooms where the issue of overweight is constantly returning, this turning point was expected as the messiah. Why this opening? For who? Under what conditions? This new access may well disrupt the routine... and open a gap of hope for millions of patients.
When access unlocks: a discreet revolution in the fight against obesity
Before 2024, the circuit was simple: only endocrinologists, diabetics or nutritionists could prescribe Wegovy or Mounjaro. Faced with the rise of obesity – almost 10 million French people involved, half if overweight adds to it – the pressure on the healthcare system was increasing dramatically. Finally, the door opens: the National Drug Safety Agency (ANSM) initiates the procedure to allow general practitioners to deliver these highly requested treatments. The idea: to allow real accessibility, beyond a few specialized firms.
A public health issue... but not without safeguards
Why so much caution? These treatments signed Novo Nordisk (Wegovy) and Eli Lilly (Mounjaro) are analogues of GLP-1: they modulate satiety and affect weight management by weekly injection. Revers de la médaille: their impressive efficiency has led to misuse, sometimes for purely aesthetic reasons. The authorities have therefore tightened the screw and limited the initial requirements... until today.
Behind the figures: efficiency, cost, instructions for use
Each injection targets a specific target: people with obesity (BMI greater than 35) or type 2 diabetes when traditional methods have not worked. Average weight loss reaches up to 15% of initial weight in just over a year: spectacular results, which also affect metabolic health and the prevention of chronic diseases.
On the logistics side, the injection takes place under the skin of the stomach, once a week. But innovation has a price: the addition climbs to about 300 euros per month, without being covered by sickness insurance at the moment. Hence the importance of combining any prescription with rigorous monitoring and transparent information, not only on benefits but also on the limits and risks of treatment.
A turning point for the patient-generalist relationship
Conferring prescription to generalists changes the situation: obesity will no longer be the reserved domain of a few specialists. The treating physician, already conductor of the path of care, will be able to adjust, accompany and especially quickly identify any side effects or bad indications. The authorities monitor practices closely and continuously refine access criteria to avoid drifts and ensure that those who actually need them are treated.
Good to know: Although prescribing is widespread among family physicians, these treatments are reserved for patients who meet strict criteria: severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35), failure of conventional treatments and intensive medical surveillance. Self-medication or misuse is strongly discouraged.
Towards a new obesity routine?
The arrival of Wegovy and Mounjaro among the generalists gives a huge boost to the fight against obesity in France. The government is also preparing a comprehensive national plan to accompany this new chapter: the extended prescription may shorten queues and simplify the lives of many patients. It remains to be solved the questions of cost, training of doctors... and follow-up over time. One thing seems clear: the daily lives of millions of people face an unprecedented opportunity to fight cards.
Updated on 6 August 2025
