A recent survey in the Netherlands reveals strong public support for including weight loss drugs like Ozempic in the basic healthcare insurance package. The Ipsos survey, commissioned by the health ministry, indicates that approximately 90% of Dutch citizens believe these medications should be covered.

Even if it meant a slight increase in monthly insurance premiums, the majority of respondents still favored the inclusion. This demonstrates a significant willingness to prioritize access to weight loss treatments.

The Dutch health institute previously advised against including Wegovy due to cost concerns, estimating potential expenses of €60 million if the drug were widely used. The institute then requested the health ministry to assess public sentiment on addressing obesity. Currently, around seven million people in the Netherlands are overweight, with 14% classified as obese.

To mitigate potential costs, around three-quarters of those surveyed suggested implementing conditions for free prescriptions. These include requiring prescriptions from specialists and proof of commitment to lifestyle changes.

While some respondents emphasized the right to lose weight, others expressed disagreement, stating they shouldn’t bear the financial burden for problems they didn’t cause.

Currently, weight loss drugs in the Netherlands are only covered for individuals with a body mass index of 35 or higher and type II diabetes. However, the use of these drugs is increasing, with more people choosing to pay for prescriptions out-of-pocket. In 2023, the Dutch paid for 109,000 prescriptions, a significant jump from just 2,000 in 2022. Preliminary data from 2024 indicates a further 40% rise in total prescriptions.