Surge in obesity medication costs highlights health crisis in Finland

The consumption of obesity medications has significantly increased in Finland. Between 2019 and 2023, the costs for these medications rose from €1.7 million to €44.3 million, according to a report by Kela, the Finnish Social Insurance Institution. This total includes both reimbursed medications and those paid for out-of-pocket by users. Some obesity medications were included in the health insurance coverage starting in 2021. The number of users has also surged, increasing from 4,500 to 63,500 within four years. Last year alone, the costs of obesity medications were 26 times higher than in 2019.

This surge is attributed to the introduction of new and more effective medications. “These drugs have been highly popular, so much so that we have experienced supply disruptions. There could have been even more users if it weren’t for these availability issues,” said Heini Kari, a researcher from Kela’s data services unit.

Most users of obesity medications are paying for them out of pocket. The total amount reimbursed by the social insurance system was approximately €3.8 million last year, accounting for less than ten percent of total costs. The medications most used include semaglutide and liraglutide, which are also used to treat type 2 diabetes but are not covered by health insurance. New medications containing semaglutide and liraglutide, Wegovy and Mounjaro, were introduced to the Finnish market last year, costing users over €400 for a month’s treatment.

Kela reported that about 47,000 people purchased semaglutide out-of-pocket last year, while roughly 16,000 bought liraglutide, primarily for obesity treatment. Mid-aged women were the largest demographic using these medications, with the highest usage in the 55-64 age group.

According to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), nearly half of Finns are centrally obese, and the prevalence of overweight individuals is rising. THL estimated that obesity results in annual healthcare costs totaling around €1 billion in Finland.

Heini Kari emphasizes that while the medication for obesity is costly, it can prevent related health issues like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, the effectiveness of these medications can vary greatly from individual to individual, and sustained use may be necessary for maintaining desired weight. Kari advocates for a broader social discourse on obesity prevention and treatment, including the reimbursement of medications. She suggests that Finland should establish a stance on this matter as pharmaceutical companies may seek reimbursement in the future. In contrast, countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Germany have not reimbursed the latest medications due to cost concerns.