Swiss Obesity Drug Use Skyrockets Amidst Growing Epidemic

Weight-Loss Injections See Sharp Rise as Reimbursement Expands

Switzerland is witnessing a dramatic surge in the use of weight-loss injections, with prescriptions climbing significantly since they became eligible for health insurance reimbursement in spring 2024. Despite strict access criteria, these medications are rapidly becoming a primary treatment for obesity, a condition now impacting nearly half the Swiss population.

Obesity Recognized as Chronic Disease

Experts emphasize that obesity is a chronic disease, not merely a lifestyle choice. “We used to blame the patient, but we now understand that genetic factors play a role in 40 to 70% of cases,” explains Nathalie Farpour-Lambert, a pediatrician and leading obesity specialist at Geneva University Hospitals (HUG). This evolving understanding, coupled with new treatment options and broader patient awareness, has fueled the rise in prescription rates.

The latest data from the Swiss health observatory (Obsan) indicates a “strong increase” in the use of these drugs during 2024. Switzerland’s per capita prescription rate for weight-loss injections reportedly now surpasses that of the United States, according to a University of Zurich study. In 2023, the U.S. saw 6.9 million prescriptions for semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) alone, a 30% increase from the previous year, highlighting the global trend.

A “Good News” Development for Patients

Nathalie Farpour-Lambert views this increased access and utilization as positive progress. “We had been waiting for these treatments for a long time,” she stated. “I have been working with patients with obesity for 30 years, and I had nothing else to offer them than dietary consultations, physical activity and psychological support.” The availability of these injections offers a new avenue for managing a complex health condition.

However, Farpour-Lambert cautions that these medications are not a “miracle solution.” Successful treatment requires integration into a comprehensive plan addressing physical activity, nutrition, and psychological well-being. “Personally, I never start a pharmacological treatment if everything else is not in place,” she added.

Navigating Strict Access and Potential Pitfalls

Switzerland has established stringent criteria for accessing these drugs. Eligibility for Wegovy typically requires a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30, or a BMI between 27 and 30 coupled with a weight-related comorbidity. Despite these guidelines, “unfortunately, there have been drifts,” Farpour-Lambert acknowledged, referring to instances where non-specialists have prescribed these medications inappropriately.

“Especially since the risk of relapse is very high when the medication is stopped. For this reason, long-term stabilization must be ensured after weight loss.”

—Nathalie Farpour-Lambert

Health insurance coverage in Switzerland is limited to one course of treatment for a maximum of three years, with coverage ceasing if satisfactory results are not achieved within the first six months. This emphasizes the critical need for patients to adhere to treatment protocols to maximize their chances of success.

Regional Disparities in Access to Care

The report also reveals significant disparities in drug usage across Switzerland, with women aged 40 to 60 being the primary users. Farpour-Lambert attributes this to “a phase of life that can be characterized by weight gain, especially after one or more pregnancies,” and women’s generally greater attention to body image. Conversely, geographical variations in prescription rates, ranging from eight doses per 1,000 inhabitants in Ticino and Neuchâtel to just two in Appenzell Innerrhoden and Graubünden, point to issues with access to specialized care.

“It would be necessary to better integrate the pharmacological treatment of obesity in the health system in the level of first recourse medicine.”

—Nathalie Farpour-Lambert

Some regions face extended waiting times for endocrinologist appointments or specialized obesity centers, highlighting a need for better integration of obesity management within primary healthcare services.