What this means for insurers and policymakers
For health insurers, regulators and policymakers, even though the emerging picture is unclear, it calls for early, proactive action.
1. Quantify and stress-test the scenarios
Even if actual uptake remains lower than indicated by our survey, weight-loss medications could still become a significant cost driver. Insurers should model a range of demand and pricing scenarios, including:
- restricted coverage to specific medical conditions
- different levels of patient co-payment
- potential knock-on effects on other healthcare costs (e.g. diabetes or cardiovascular treatments).
Such scenario testing is essential for premium planning and for discussions with regulators and policymakers.
2. Design smart funding models, not ’all or nothing’
The survey results suggest that the public is open to differentiated solutions. Rather than a binary choice between full reimbursement and no reimbursement, possible options include:
- reimbursement combined with lifestyle programmes
- stricter medical criteria (e.g. BMI thresholds and comorbidities)
- caps on treatment duration
- tiered co-payments that reward proven medical benefit.
Thoughtful design can align individual preferences with the collective interest in a sustainable system.
3. Put prevention and lifestyle support centre stage
Weight-loss medications may offer important benefits for specific patient groups, but do not replace prevention, healthy nutrition and physical activity. For insurers, this is an opportunity to double down on prevention programmes, digital coaching and integrated care models that address the root causes of obesity.
If new medications are introduced without a strong prevention and lifestyle strategy, the risk of cost escalation increases – without necessarily improving long-term health outcomes.
4. Communicate transparently about trade-offs
Our survey also highlights a communication challenge. Many people are still uncertain about their own position and about the broader implications for premiums and solidarity. Insurers and policymakers should explain clearly:
- how different funding models would affect premiums over time
- which patient groups stand to benefit most
- how alternative options balance individual freedom of choice, medical need and collective affordability.
Open communication builds trust, especially when difficult choices are on the table.
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