Free weight-loss drugs for patients with obesity and diabetes

A free weight-loss drug will be offered for patients with obesity and diabetes, the health minister has announced.

The GLP-1 agonists, known by popular names such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, will be offered for free to those with type 2 diabetes who also have a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40.

The decision was made after a thorough evaluation and consultation with health professionals, where Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela said 2,000 patients will benefit from the initiative, which will cost the government around €5 million.

“Although this medicine alone is not enough, it offers the best effective pharmaceutical care, which, together with physical exercise, a balanced diet and multidisciplinary support, leads to better well-being,” Abela said.

The Minister explained that the first phase of this initiative will target around 2,000 patients with Type II diabetes and severe obesity (Obesity Class 3 and 5, or BMI of 40 or above).

“Diabetes and obesity have a major impact on the physical and mental health of affected individuals, as well as on their quality of life. Therefore, this approach addresses the patient holistically, and not just one condition,” reiterated Abela.

Abela said that the therapy will be accompanied by continuous monitoring and professional support to ensure good and sustainable results. He pointed out that this initiative is set to gradually expand to reach more patients in the future, always with a focus on scientific evidence and sustainability.

"This measure reflects a modern vision of public health that places the patient at the centre by combining innovation with responsibility within a framework of sustainable services", concluded Abela.