Mounjaro Warning: Pharmacy Supplied Weight Loss Jab to Patient With Anorexia Six Times
A recent regulatory case in the UK has raised concerns about how weight loss medicines are prescribed online, particularly when patients may have a history of eating disorders.
The case involved Mounjaro, a prescription medicine containing tirzepatide, which was supplied to a patient with anorexia nervosa on six separate occasions. According to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the regulator found that the supplies were inappropriate and unsafe because important patient information had not been adequately verified.
The case has renewed attention on the safeguards that pharmacies and private healthcare providers are expected to have in place before prescribing weight management medicines.
What happened in the Mounjaro prescribing case?
According to the GPhC findings reported by The Sun, Mounjaro was supplied six times to a patient who had anorexia nervosa. Five of the six prescriptions were issued by Hira Malik, who was the superintendent pharmacist at Curate Health at the time.
The regulator identified several concerns about the pharmacy's prescribing procedures. These included insufficient checks of information supplied by patients, inadequate prescribing records and a failure to share relevant information with patients' GPs.
The pharmacy also relied heavily on patients declaring their own medical history, including whether they had previously experienced an eating disorder.
The GPhC concluded that the failures contributed to the inappropriate supply of Mounjaro and created risks to patient safety.
Malik received a 12-month warning from the regulator. The GPhC also stated that she had made changes to her professional practice following the events.
Why are checks important before prescribing Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is not a general-purpose slimming product. It is a prescription medicine used for specific medical indications, including type 2 diabetes and weight management in eligible patients.
Because the medicine can significantly reduce appetite and food intake, clinicians need to consider a patient's overall health before prescribing it. A history of eating disorders can be particularly important when assessing whether a weight management treatment is appropriate.
The case highlights why relying solely on information entered into an online questionnaire may not always be sufficient.
Healthcare professionals are expected to gather appropriate information, assess whether treatment is clinically suitable and maintain accurate records explaining prescribing decisions.
For patients, this means that honest and complete answers about medical history are extremely important. Leaving out information about an eating disorder, medication or another health condition could affect the safety of treatment.
How does Mounjaro work?
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a medicine that acts on hormone pathways involved in appetite and blood sugar regulation.
It works through receptors associated with GIP and GLP-1, helping regulate blood glucose while also reducing appetite and food intake. These effects can contribute to significant weight loss in people who are medically eligible for treatment.
Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach discomfort and other digestive symptoms. Some people may experience more serious complications, although these are less common.
Because Mounjaro can affect appetite and digestion, patients should use it only under appropriate medical supervision.
Who can receive weight loss injections in the UK?
Eligibility depends on the medicine, the healthcare setting and the patient's individual circumstances.
NHS prescribing criteria can be more restrictive than private prescribing. Weight management medicines may be offered to people who meet particular BMI requirements and have health conditions or other risk factors associated with excess weight.
Private providers may have different eligibility thresholds, but they still have professional responsibilities to assess patients properly and prescribe medicines safely.
The exact criteria can also change as NHS guidance and prescribing policies develop. Anyone considering Mounjaro should therefore obtain current advice from a qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on social media claims or unofficial websites.
Concerns over online weight loss prescriptions
The growth of online pharmacies and private weight loss services has made medicines such as Mounjaro more accessible.
However, convenience can create challenges if proper clinical assessments are not carried out.
A safe prescribing process should involve more than simply confirming a patient's weight. Medical history, current medicines, previous illnesses, contraindications and other relevant information may all need to be considered.
In some circumstances, providers may also need to verify information independently rather than relying entirely on what a patient reports.
The GPhC's findings in this case underline the importance of these safeguards.
What did Curate Health say?
According to the report, a spokesperson for Hira Malik accepted the regulator's findings and acknowledged that her practice had fallen below the expected standards.
The spokesperson said Malik had reflected on the issues identified and recognised the importance of verifying patient information, communicating appropriately with other healthcare professionals and keeping complete prescribing records.
Curate Health also stated that Malik ceased being its superintendent pharmacist in April 2025.
The pharmacy said it was subsequently reinspected by the GPhC in March 2026 and received an overall outcome of "standards met" across all five inspection areas. It also said that patient safety, clinical compliance and appropriate prescribing remained central to its procedures.
The company said it could not comment on the individual patient's circumstances because of confidentiality and legal considerations.
What does the case mean for patients?
The case does not mean that Mounjaro is unsafe for everyone or that every online pharmacy provides inadequate care.
Instead, it demonstrates why prescription weight loss medicines need proper clinical assessment.
Patients should be cautious about providers that appear to offer medication with minimal questions or checks. A responsible service should ask about relevant medical history and provide information about potential risks and side effects.
Anyone with a current or previous eating disorder should discuss this openly with a healthcare professional before considering a weight management medicine.
Patients should also avoid buying prescription medicines from unregulated websites or taking medication prescribed for someone else.
The wider debate around weight loss medicines
Medicines such as Mounjaro and Wegovy have transformed the treatment of obesity and generated considerable public interest.
For eligible patients, these medicines can form part of a wider approach to weight management. However, they are not suitable for everyone, and weight loss should not be considered the only measure of successful treatment.
The latest regulatory case shows that prescribing decisions must take individual circumstances into account.
Strong checks, accurate medical records and communication between healthcare professionals are essential parts of safe prescribing.
For people considering Mounjaro, the safest approach is to speak with a qualified prescriber, provide a complete medical history and make sure they understand both the potential benefits and risks before starting treatment.
Source: The Sun, report published August 18, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Eligibility for Mounjaro and other weight management medicines depends on individual circumstances and current clinical guidance. Anyone considering treatment, particularly anyone with a current or previous eating disorder or other significant health condition, should speak with a qualified healthcare professional before using prescription weight loss medication.