A mother is facing intense backlash after revealing that she has placed her 13-year-old daughter, who weighs 176kg, on the weight loss medication Mounjaro.
Mounjaro is administered through an injection pen, typically self-administered by users. However, in this case, the young girl receives assistance from her mother for the injections.
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has not approved Mounjaro for weight loss, it has received approval in the UK, where the family resides.
Despite the drug being authorized only for adult use, the mother justifies her decision to use it for her daughter.
“We’ve tried everything to get *Hayley’s weight down. Diets don’t work, she exercises but it never changes her weight and she’s miserable about her size compared to her friends,” *Emma explained to the Metro.
Hayley is described as being 5ft 4in and weighing 176 pounds, which is significantly more than the average weight for a 13-year-old girl of her height, according to Google.
Emma shared that Hayley has struggled with her weight for quite some time, leading to the controversial decision to use Mounjaro off-label.
“Our GP [general practitioner] always suggested diet and exercise, but that hasn’t been that helpful at all. Mounjaro is a last resort, yes, but it’s working and she’s already lost almost a stone,” she continued.
“Hayley was so low about her weight for years. She’d cry and get upset that she couldn’t buy or wear the same clothes as her friends because of her weight. That’s changing now.
“I’m losing the sullen, quiet, sad teenager and she’s growing in confidence, that’s the only measure I need that I’m doing the right thing.
“While I love how happy she is, I don’t like that it’s tied to her body image but then she’s not alone in that – we all feel more confident when we look good.”
Emma admitted that Hayley’s improved confidence and self-esteem are linked to her weight loss, but she emphasizes never discussing weight with Hayley and supports her achievements beyond appearances.
She also confessed to deceiving an online pharmacy, acknowledging that she ‘had to pretend they were for me’ when obtaining Mounjaro.
Hayley expressed her views to the publication, stating: “It was my idea and I asked Mum if we could look into it. I was a bit worried about being injected and I couldn’t do it myself but I love the fact I’m losing weight.
“My friends have all noticed and are complimenting me on it which feels really nice.”
While Emma believes her actions are justified, psychologist Dr. Carolyne Keenan is alarmed by the illegal provision of weight loss drugs to a minor.
She told the Metro: “When considering pharmacological interventions, it is crucial that these are closely monitored by doctors and delivered on a case-by-case basis. Children are still developing physically and emotionally, and any medication must be used with great caution. Identity formation during childhood and adolescence is deeply tied to body image and self-worth. Introducing weight loss injections could inadvertently reinforce harmful beliefs about food and body image, leading to long-term issues with self-esteem and disordered eating patterns.”
Mounjaro’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly, informed LADbible Group: “In the UK, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is only authorised for the treatment of adults. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) should only be used when prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional and prescriptions should be fulfilled and supplied by regulated pharmacies and providers.”