Katie Price has confirmed that her son Harvey, 24, will begin taking Mounjaro, a weight-loss medication, after years of concerns about the impact of his size on his health. The 48-year-old former glamour model announced the news on the latest episode of The Katie Price Show podcast, telling her sister Sophie that the treatment she had been advocating for is finally going ahead.
Harvey, who lives with Prader-Willi syndrome, autism, and sight impairment, has previously been reported to weigh almost 30 stone. Katie said, "Harvey is starting the Mounjaro," to which Sophie replied, "Yeah, I think that will really help him because he's struggling at the minute."
Long Battle for Treatment
Katie has spent years seeking medical intervention for her eldest son, expressing frustration with the NHS's response. In March, she publicly appealed for private doctors on Instagram, writing, "NHS are not helping if thetes [sic] any private doctors who any one know please DM me I cant lose Harvey." She also described her fears while listening to Harvey sleep, noting he would sometimes appear to hold his breath.
Katie claimed Harvey's BMI is currently 59, stating, "So he needs it for his health. This isn't for looks, it's for a better quality of life for him." She added, "It's taken so long but he's starting [the jabs]. I can't wait. Then he can do the rollercoasters, he can do more, walk more and have more energy."
Understanding Mounjaro and Harvey's Condition
Mounjaro, the brand name for tirzepatide, is administered by injection and can be prescribed in the UK for weight management to eligible adults alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Harvey's weight has been a growing concern, with Katie revealing last year that he had reached 188kg (around 29st 8lbs), saying watching the number climb "breaks my heart."
Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic condition, causes an excessive appetite, making weight management extremely difficult. Harvey is also partially blind due to septo-optic dysplasia. Katie has previously discussed placing Harvey into residential care in 2020, admitting she could no longer meet all his needs at home.
Hope for a Better Quality of Life
Katie's hope is that the medication will give Harvey greater independence and allow him to enjoy activities like rollercoasters, which are currently difficult due to his size. The announcement comes after a summer holiday in Ibiza, where Harvey visited Wayne Lineker's O Beach club. The club owner praised Katie for her care, noting she ensured Harvey was comfortable in the heat and arranged for his favourite carbonara.
Katie has not provided further details about who will oversee Harvey's treatment or when he will receive his first dose. Her focus remains on improving his health and quality of life, as she has campaigned publicly for years on disability issues and the challenges faced by families caring for disabled children.
