Katie Price has raised new concerns about her health after publicly admitting her struggle with a vaping addiction. The star shared a concerning X-ray image on her Instagram Stories, highlighting the dangers of vaping with a stark warning: “Vaping has officially been linked to rare and irreversible lung disease.” Accompanying the image, Katie wrote, “I have to stop,” signaling her awareness of the serious risks.
Her family’s anxiety over her habit is heightened due to a painful history of lung disease within their ranks. Katie’s mother, Amy, 73, has been battling terminal Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a condition that causes progressive lung scarring and breathing difficulties. Amy underwent a lung transplant in 2022 but continues to face significant health challenges.
Despite these family health struggles, Katie has found it difficult to quit vaping. She was seen vaping on a train last year, a move that sparked public outrage as vaping is banned on most rail networks. More recently, she was observed using a vape device during a live tour with Kerry Katona, fuelling concerns about her inability to stop.
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A source close to the family revealed, “Katie needs to stop for health reasons, and obviously, her family members are very worried. But she’s so stressed, vaping is her way of coping.” They also noted that Katie’s addictive personality further complicates her struggle.
Her partner of nearly two years, JJ Slater, known from Married At First Sight, is reportedly deeply concerned but feels limited in how much he can help. “JJ loves her and is worried, but Katie has her own mind. Vaping has become a real habit for her,” the source explained.
Katie’s vaping dependence has been a recurring issue within her family circle. Her sister Sophie, who co-hosts Katie’s podcast, The Katie Price Show, pleaded with her on air last October to quit vaping. Despite this, Katie’s habit persisted, including public incidents such as vaping around her infant niece and allegedly vaping on stage during a show.
Katie has previously attempted to quit, acknowledging the addictive nature of vaping and even suspecting it may have contributed to a recent tooth loss. Speaking on her podcast, she confessed, “I don’t know why I do it… It’s this new social thing where everyone vapes.” She further expressed concern about the possible health impact when she said, “I swear it’s the vape because it’s on the tooth that came out.”
Given her mother Amy’s debilitating lung condition, Katie’s fears about the potential consequences of vaping are understandable. Amy’s illness has significantly diminished her independence, sometimes requiring the use of a wheelchair and constant oxygen support. Katie shared, “She can’t do the things she used to do, which is frustrating for her.”
However, stress seems to drive Katie back to vaping, creating a difficult cycle. “Whenever she’s feeling stressed, she reaches for the vape,” a source said, emphasizing the challenge ahead for her to quit.
Public health guidance notes that while vaping is considered 95% safer than smoking traditional cigarettes, it is not without risks. The NHS acknowledges that vaping can still pose health dangers, especially for those with underlying lung conditions or a family history of respiratory disease.
Katie Price’s struggle highlights the complexities of addiction and the powerful hold vaping can have, even on those most aware of its potential harms.