{"id":10636,"date":"2026-01-06T15:51:38","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T16:51:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/?p=10636"},"modified":"2026-01-07T21:33:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T21:33:39","slug":"the-worrying-new-way-people-are-faking-weight-for-mounjaro-prescriptions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/06\/the-worrying-new-way-people-are-faking-weight-for-mounjaro-prescriptions\/","title":{"rendered":"The worrying new way people are \u2018faking weight\u2019 for Mounjaro prescriptions\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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People have been trying to ‘pull the wool over the eyes of providers’ according to Wes Streeting (Picture: Matthew Horwood\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Weight loss jabs like Mounjaro<\/a> exploded in popularity in 2025 after being rolled out on GP prescription<\/a>. <\/p>\n

The injections are intended to help people manage type 2 diabetes and\/or obesity. They work by mimicking the hormones released in our bodies when we eat, reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness.<\/p>\n

However, it seems a worrying number of people have managed to cheat the system and are obtaining prescriptions, despite not needing the medication. <\/p>\n

An investigation by ITV<\/a> has revealed that young people with healthy BMIs have been using AI and photo-editing software to manipulate pictures and \u2018fake their weight\u2019.<\/p>\n

This, in turn, has given them access to powerful weight loss drugs from online pharmacies.<\/p>\n

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People have been editing their images online using AI to get weight loss medication (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Reporter Cree-Summer Haughton claims she tried this out for herself, using basic editing software to widen her waist, face, and body in an image, before sending it off and receiving Mounjaro.<\/p>\n

\u2018Within a week, three different companies had approved me and sent out three separate prescriptions,\u2019 she wrote.<\/p>\n

Several women spoke to the news outlet about their own experience doing this, saying they had obtained weight-loss injections due to \u2018body image pressures\u2019. They felt it was an ok thing to do as the drugs had become \u2018normalised\u2019 online.<\/p>\n

The concerning trend of being able to get weight loss medication using fake images has emerged suddenly within the last six months, according to eating disorder clinicians from Priory.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s something that experts warn could fuel disordered eating if it isn\u2019t cracked down on quickly, and as such, they\u2019re pushing for change. <\/p>\n

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POLL<\/div>\n
Poll<\/title><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"metro-poll__title\">Have you tried weight loss medication?<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"metro-poll__list\">\n<li data-option=\"option1\" class=\"metro-poll__option\">\n<div class=\"metro-poll__score-bar-wrapper\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"metro-poll__content\">\n<div class=\"metro-poll__text\">Yes<span class=\"metro-poll__check-icon\"><title>Check<\/title><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"metro-poll__score\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-option=\"option2\" class=\"metro-poll__option\">\n<div class=\"metro-poll__score-bar-wrapper\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"metro-poll__content\">\n<div class=\"metro-poll__text\">No<span class=\"metro-poll__check-icon\"><title>Check<\/title><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"metro-poll__score\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-option=\"option3\" class=\"metro-poll__option\">\n<div class=\"metro-poll__score-bar-wrapper\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"metro-poll__content\">\n<div class=\"metro-poll__text\">I'm tempted…<span class=\"metro-poll__check-icon\"><title>Check<\/title><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"metro-poll__score\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How easy is it to access weight loss jabs online?<\/h2>\n<p>People in the UK can now get prescriptions for weight loss injections online, from pharmacies like <a href=\"https:\/\/onlinedoctor.boots.com\/weight-loss\/treatment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Boots Online Doctor,<\/a> who promise ‘convenient, discreet treatment’ with ‘no appointment needed’. <\/p>\n<p>The website says there are three steps you have to follow to do this – the first is an online consultation, which takes five to 10 minutes. Next, there’s a clinical assessment, where pharmacists review your health history and prescribe treatment if appropriate. <\/p>\n<p>Finally, if you require treatment, you’ll be given ‘simple instructions’ on how to take it. You can then pick your prescription up in store or have it delivered straight to your front door.<\/p>\n<p>While the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has said that a two-way consultation or independent verification is required before giving a prescription, some online pharmacies have not met these standards.<\/p>\n<p>ITV found that some online pharmacies have made it possible for people to use AI-altered images or video in consultations, while others have merely accepted edited photos that people uploaded themselves. <\/p>\n<p>The GPhC says looking at just one photo is \u2018not going to be sufficient\u2019. <\/p>\n<p>Their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pharmacyregulation.org\/patients-and-public\/standards-you-can-expect-using-pharmacy-services\/weight-loss-medications-faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">website <\/a>adds: ‘It is essential that the type of consultation is appropriate to meet the needs of the person, and it allows the prescriber to get enough information to prescribe weight management treatments safely and appropriately.<\/p>\n<p>‘Prescribers must also consider the person’s well-being, given that eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/mental-health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mental health<\/a> issues can play a part in the reason for requesting these medications. <\/p>\n<p>‘Prescribing practitioners should make sure that they prescribe in line with legislation and follow good practice guidance.’<\/p>\n<p>When a pharmacy fails to meet the standards set by the GPhC, it can take enforcement action in order to protect patients. So far, enforcement action has been taken against 18 pharmacies in the UK.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"img-container shareable-item wp-caption\">\n<div class=\"img-wrap\">\n\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"431\" src=\"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/GettyImages-2250289772.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-26112301\" alt=\"Cabinet Meeting in Downing Street in London\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t<\/div><figcaption>Health Secretary Wes Streeting said he’s looking into the matter (Picture: Wiktor Szymanowicz\/Future Publishing via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What safeguards need to be put in place?<\/h2>\n<p>Hira Malik, the superintendent pharmacist and co-founder of Oushk Pharmacy, tells <strong>Metro<\/strong>: \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/itv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ITV<\/a>\u2019s investigation is a timely reminder that weight loss injections are powerful prescription-only medications, not cosmetic quick fixes.<\/p>\n<p>‘If people with a healthy BMI can access them by uploading edited photos, that is a patient safety issue and risks fuelling disordered eating.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018To prevent this from escalating further, online prescribing needs further safeguards.’<\/p>\n<p>She added: \u2018Online care can be convenient, but it must be rigorous. The sector needs consistent, enforceable standards on verification, counselling and follow-up so that those who genuinely meet clinical criteria get treatment safely and those who don\u2019t are protected from harm.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Appearing on <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/good-morning-britain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Good Morning Britain<\/a>, Health Secretary, <a data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/wes-streeting\/\">Wes <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/wes-streeting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">S<\/a><a data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/wes-streeting\/\">treeting<\/a>, claimed he has also seen stories of people \u2018trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the provider\u2019 for weight loss medication.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>He continued to say that his team is looking closely into the matter to \u2018make sure the prescribing environment is safe\u2019.<\/p>\n<div class=\"factbox\" data-ico=\"factbox_article\" data-track-module=\"factbox_article\">\n<h2 class=\"factbox-title\">\n\t\t\t\tThe biggest pros and cons of weight loss jabs\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<div class=\"factbox-content\">\n<p>If you do meet the criteria for weight loss medication and are considering taking them, you’ll want to do your research on the topic. To help you, Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iqdoctor.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IQdoctor<\/a><strong>, <\/strong>shared some of the <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/06\/23\/biggest-pros-cons-consider-taking-weight-loss-jabs-2-23485494\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">biggest pros and cons of weight loss injections<\/a> with <strong>Metro<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Here’s a look at what she had to say…<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Weight loss<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The amount of weight you can lose is impressive, with studies showing that patients typically see at least a 10% to 15% weight reduction.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018This can be transformative, especially for those with long-standing obesity where lifestyle interventions alone have failed,\u2019 says Dr Wylie.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Reduction in obesity-related health issues<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dr Wylie explains: \u2018Weight loss of this magnitude is associated with a meaningful drop in the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018There\u2019s also early evidence suggesting improved cardiovascular outcomes, even independent of weight loss. And for patients with pre-diabetes, these medications may delay or prevent progression to full-blown diabetes.\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>Improved quality of life and mental health<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Beyond the physical benefits, Dr Wylie says the \u2018positive impact on self-esteem and mood\u2019 caused by weight loss \u2018can create a virtuous cycle, making it easier to stay engaged with other aspects of health promotion, such as physical activity and social participation.\u2019<\/p>\n<p><strong>Support for patients who feel stuck<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The helping hand these jabs provide can be a major boost for those who feel they\u2019ve \u2018tried everything\u2019 without success.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018As GPs, it\u2019s empowering to have another tool to offer that feels both compassionate and effective.\u2019<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Side effects<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u2018Gastrointestinal side effects are common, particularly during dose escalation,\u2019 she says, noting that these can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation.<\/p>\n<p>Dr Wylie also adds than in rare cases, \u2018there\u2019s a risk of pancreatitis or gallbladder issues.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>There are other potential complications to look out for too: Ozempic-style weight loss drugs were recently linked to <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/04\/25\/mass-study-reveals-alarming-new-side-effects-ozempic-style-weight-loss-drugs-22972397\/\">symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation<\/a>, as well as an <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/12\/14\/weight-loss-drug-ozempic-increase-risk-sight-loss-22189416\/\">increased risk of vision loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>More worryingly, at the end of last year, the government issued a warning after <a href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2024\/11\/02\/warning-weight-loss-jabs-including-ozempic-linked-10-deaths-uk-21915265\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10 people died<\/a> and 68 were admitted to hospital as a result of using the injections.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Long-term use <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Unless you overhaul your habits, the results you see while taking these medications won\u2019t last long afterwards.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Once stopped, weight regain is common unless there\u2019s been a concurrent and sustainable lifestyle change,\u2019 says Dr Wylie.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Costs <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Only \u2018very specific patient groups\u2019 are entitled to weight loss jabs on the NHS, and \u2018privately, these medications are expensive, often over \u00a3200 a month.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>If you go private, it\u2019s important to seriously consider whether you can afford to keep your prescription going for long enough to see results.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Get in touch by emailing <a href=\"mailto:MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk\">MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<section id=\"share-buttons-bottom\" class=\"share-buttons share-buttons-bottom\"><a class=\"metro-button share-bar-comments\" data-vars-position=\"bottom\" href=\"#metro-comments-container\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span><title>Comment now<\/title><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"share-bar-comments__label\">Comments<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t<\/a><a class=\"metro-button share-bar-preferred-source\" data-vars-position=\"bottom\" href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https:\/\/metro.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<span><title>Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google<\/title><\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"share-bar-preferred-source__label\">Add as preferred source<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>People have been trying to ‘pull the wool over the eyes of providers’ according to Wes Streeting (Picture: Matthew Horwood\/Getty Images) Weight loss jabs like Mounjaro exploded in popularity in 2025 after being rolled out on GP prescription.  The injections are intended to help people manage type 2 diabetes and\/or obesity. They work by mimicking […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10638,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10636"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10636"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10636\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10642,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10636\/revisions\/10642"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10638"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10636"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10636"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}