Katie Price hires top nutritionist to help 29 stone son Harvey lose ten stone
KATIE Price has made some huge life decisions for her son Harvey, 18, this week, one including to bring in a top nutritionist.
The TV star has raised disabled Harvey mostly as a single mother, but revealed she has decided to move him into a residential college to teach him how to have a more independent life and learn new skills.
At 6ft 2in and almost 29st, it is too hard for 5ft 4in Katie to calm or restrain him, because Harvey’s autism means loud noises and slamming doors can cause him to lash out unpredictably, headbutting walls and smashing windows.
In another big move for her son, Katie has hired top nutritionist Jennifer Harper-Deacon in a bid to help her son lose weight.
Katie recently revealed that Harvey’s weight had soared to 29st and he threw tantrums if refused food.
So she's enlisted Jennifer for urgent help.
The "health guru" was named health journalist of the year in 2008 and has regularly appeared on TV giving health advice.
Her website described her as "a qualified & registered naturopath, nutritionist, herbalist, acupuncturist, healer and award-winning journalist".
Jennifer is no stranger to working with famous faces, having put her skills to use helping professional athletes including, Olympic medallists, international rugby players and pro golfers.
Katie, 42, told The Sun about the tough decision to move Harvey into care: “It breaks my heart. I don’t want him to think I’m just getting rid of him.”
Breaking their incredible bond, Katie said the move gives him the best chance to forge an independent life.
The pair have spent six months visiting colleges for children with autism and learning disabilities. They hope Harvey can start at their top choice later this year.
Mum-of-five Katie said: “It’s so upsetting to think I won’t see him every day but this is the best thing for Harvey and we have to think positively because I don’t want him to think I’m just getting rid of him.
“This is his chance to live an independent life, learn skills and socialise with people other than me.
“I’m trying to get him used to me not being there all the time. But he’ll call on his iPad and say, ‘Mum, I need you’, and I run to him.
“When he’s three hours away it will break my heart because I won’t be able to get there as I’ve got to juggle him with my other kids."
Katie, 42, has her heart set on the National Star long-term living accommodation in Cheltenham, Gloucs.
At the start of last year, Harvey started at a residential school for five days, returning home at weekends.
He moved back home in March due to the pandemic since his conditions make him extremely high risk.
Harvey shows characteristics of Prader-Willi Syndrome and struggles with his weight. He also has a disorder which makes him partially blind.
But college would allow him to live semi-independently — supported by trained staff and with his own kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.
Katie added: “He will live there until he’s 25 and have his own space to study and keep fit. I need to get him the help he deserves because he will die if he doesn’t exercise."
When Harvey was born in May 2002, footballer Dwight Yorke denied being the dad until tests proved otherwise.
He has not seen Harvey since his son was four.
Most read in Showbiz
Last July Katie hit out at the pundit for failing to get in touch after Harvey was rushed to hospital as his temperature hit 42C and he struggled to breathe.
She blasted: “Whether you want to be in your son’s life or not, you still created him and he’s still your son.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“If you know your son is in intensive care and there’s a chance he could die, as a human being with feelings you should get in contact.”
Today, she says the door is always open for Dwight to get in touch and that she would like Harvey to get to know his step-brother, Dwight’s son.