When Lauren Malone filled out an online application for weight-loss injections, she paused at one particular question: Have you ever been diagnosed with an eating disorder?
The real answer was yes.
She had battled bulimia since she was 11 years old.
But worried she’d be refused the treatment, the 39-year-old mum from Gloucestershire clicked No.
“I felt guilty about lying, but I was sure they wouldn’t prescribe it otherwise,” she admitted.
She even declined the option of letting the pharmacy contact her GP, so her past wouldn’t surface.
Lauren isn’t alone. Many people are now securing access to drugs like Mounjaro by bending the truth, whether about eating disorders or even their BMI.
A Husband’s Fears and a Wife’s Determination
Lauren’s decision to start the jabs left her husband Luke anxious.
He had stood by her through years of bulimia and was worried the injections might trigger a relapse.
But in six months, she shed more than three stone, dropping from a size 18 to a size 10.
Now at 11st 9lbs, she feels healthier, more confident, and reassured that her risk of illnesses like diabetes and heart disease has been reduced.
Still, a lingering worry nags at her: what happens if she regains the weight when the injections stop?
Learning to Eat Differently
Lauren believes the jabs gave her the breathing space to rebuild her relationship with food.
Smaller portions, mindful eating, and balanced meals have replaced bingeing and purging.
“I don’t think you’re ever fully free from an eating disorder,” she reflected.
“But now I eat mindfully and enjoy food in a way I never did before. I want those habits ingrained before I stop the jabs.”
Her plan is to taper her dose slowly over the next six months while continuing her health coaching sessions that focus on nutrition and exercise.
The Price of Transformation
At £200 a month, the treatment hasn’t been cheap. She’s already spent around £1,200 but says it’s been worth every penny. “I’m so much more confident. I used to hide in hoodies, now I wear dresses, shorts, even crop tops.”
Still, with rising costs, she’s considering switching from Mounjaro to the cheaper Wegovy. “I’ve heard the difference is minimal, and I’ve achieved so much already,” she said.
A Lifelong Struggle With Food
Lauren’s complicated relationship with food began when a cruel comment on a school ski trip made her feel ashamed of eating. That moment triggered years of bingeing and purging, swinging between extreme thinness and obesity.
By her teens, purging had become a daily ritual. By her 20s, she was worn out, struggling with health problems and eventually diagnosed with bulimia. Therapy and medical advice warned her of the risks: tooth decay, low potassium, even heart issues.
But bulimia had become her coping mechanism — a way to feel in control.
Love, Honesty, and Recovery
When Lauren met Luke in her late 20s, she was upfront about her disorder.
Instead of trying to control her, he chose simply to love and support her.
That honesty built the foundation of their relationship.
Even after their 2018 wedding, bulimia remained a shadow in her life.
It was only during a neuro-linguistic programming course in 2019 that she experienced a breakthrough.
Realising she was not her disorder gave her the strength to resist purging for the first time.
Soon after, she became pregnant with her son Oak, now five, followed two years later by daughter Hero.
Returning to Health for Her Children
By the time her second child was born, Lauren’s weight had climbed to 15st, officially classed as obese.
She wanted to be fit and healthy for her children, so when adverts for weight-loss injections filled her social media feed, she gave them a try.
The results were immediate. Within a week, she lost 5lbs. Within six months, more than three stone.
Alongside ballet classes, meal planning, and healthier food choices, the injections helped her feel in control of her body — in a different way than bulimia ever had.
The Unanswered Question
Lauren knows her biggest challenge will come when she stops the jabs.
Studies suggest many people regain a large portion of the weight.
For someone with her history, that could be dangerous.
“I can’t rule out relapse,” she admitted. “But I’ll do everything I can to avoid it.
If I felt I was slipping back, I’d get therapy straight away.”
Expert Concerns
According to Dr Joanna Silver, a specialist in eating disorders, Lauren’s story is far from unique.
“Some people with eating disorders are being prescribed these drugs, but they may need extra support.
The medication helps with appetite, but not with healing someone’s relationship with food.”
For people like Lauren, honesty with healthcare providers is crucial — but often, fear of rejection leads them to hide the truth.
A Future Full of Hope, But Not Without Risks
For now, Lauren is enjoying her transformation. She feels fitter, dresses with confidence, and has more energy for her children.
But she knows her journey is far from over.
“I’ll never say I’m completely free of an eating disorder,” she said.
“But I am on the right path, and I’ll fight to stay here.”