Israel officially approves Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, Razin, and Xenical for chronic weight management. The Ministry of Health regulates these treatments through specific Body Mass Index (BMI) criteria. Patients generally qualify with a BMI of 30 or higher. Those with a BMI of 27 plus comorbidities also qualify.
- Injection therapies: Once-weekly Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) target GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
- Daily injectables: Saxenda (Liraglutide) remains a standard option for long-term weight control.
- Oral medications: Razin (Phentermine) acts as an appetite suppressant for long-term therapeutic use.
- Absorption blockers: Xenical (Orlistat) reduces fat absorption and is available in local pharmacies.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers like Sheba and Sourasky prioritize multidisciplinary care over simple prescriptions. While Sheba covers 1,990 specialties, specialists like Prof. Naomi Vayntrub at Sourasky focus on obesity-linked pathologies. This integrated approach ensures medications are paired with metabolic screening for better long-term results.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while medications are approved, insurance coverage through health funds varies. Many report paying 800-1,500 NIS monthly out-of-pocket for private prescriptions when initial coverage is denied.