Australia's killer mushroom cook Erin Patterson has been approved to start taxpayer-funded Ozempic from behind bars.
The 51-year-old was found guilty of murder last year after a jury concluded she deliberately served a deadly meal to three of her former in-laws.
She was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum non-parole period of 33 years, at the Victoria Supreme Court in September, 2025.
At the time, the judge took into consideration the harsh prison conditions which Patterson would experience, including the "likely prospect of solitary confinement for the foreseeable future".
Now, it has been revealed that Patterson was approved to start taking weightloss medication Ozempic - with a monthly bill in the hundreds being footed by Australian taxpayers.
Patterson claims it is because she is in solitary confinement and was unable to exercise for the foreseeable future due to her high profile, according to 9News.
A Victorian Department of Justice spokesperson said weight loss drugs would be provided to prisoners based on the advice of doctors.
"Prescriptions are only given by clinicians when there's a clear medical need - like preventing serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes," a spokesperson said.
Access to prescribed weight loss medication was introduced in response to recommendations from the Coroner following a death in custody linked to obesity.
Justice action coordinator Brett Collins said "there's an obligation by the state to look after people in prison, and ensure they get the equivalent healthcare to that in the general community".
He said the conditions inside the prison "really exacerbate any pre-existing medical conditions".
Victoria Shadow Police Minister Brad Battin disagreed, saying "if Erin Patterson chooses not to do exercise, then we shouldn't be subsidising the cost for medication to keep her weight down".
During the trial, Patterson spoke about her issues controlling her weight, and battles with binge-eating.
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