In Italy, the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) authorizes semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic), liraglutide (Saxenda), and orlistat (Xenical) for weight management. Doctors prescribe these for patients with a BMI over 30. Specialists at clinics like San Raffaele in Milan also utilize naltrexone/bupropion (Mysimba) for appetite control.
- Approved GLP-1 analogs: Wegovy and Saxenda are primary injectable options for chronic weight loss.
- Diabetes medications: Ozempic and Mounjaro are prescribed off-label for significant weight reduction benefits.
- Oral therapies: Orlistat prevents 25% fat absorption and remains a common first-line treatment.
- Prescription requirements: All medications require a formal prescription from a GP or specialist.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many patients seek GLP-1 injections, Italian medical centers like IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio often integrate these with surgical consultations. Data shows that high-volume centers performing over 5,000 operations annually prioritize long-term metabolic health. This suggests that medications are increasingly used as a bridge to, or in combination with, procedures like intragastric balloons, which may cost around $6,050 in specialized Milanese clinics.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while Saxenda is widely available through GPs, newer drugs like Wegovy often face supply shortages. Many find that private endocrinologist visits in Milan or Rome provide faster access to prescriptions than the public health system.
