How the heaviest man alive lost 542 kg with the help of a former Saudi king

Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari, who once weighed an astonishing 610kg, has now shed a 542kg. (Image: @historycoolkids/Facebook)

Once the heaviest man alive, Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari has undergone a life-altering transformation in the last decade thanks to a humanitarian intervention by Saudi Arabia's former King Abdullah. Shaari, who once weighed an astonishing 610kg, has now shed a staggering 542kg.

In 2013, Shaari’s plight reached the ears of King Abdullah, who, deeply moved by his dire condition, orchestrated an unprecedented medical operation to save the young man's life. At the time, Shaari, a teen, had been bedridden for over three years, entirely reliant on his family and friends for even the most basic needs. His extreme obesity had rendered him immobile, and he was on the brink of losing his life.

A team of 30 medical professionals was assembled to oversee Shaari’s care, and a plan was devised to transport him from his home in Jazan, southern Saudi Arabia, to King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh. This operation required the use of a forklift and a specially designed bed to move Shaari.

Upon arrival in Riyadh, Shaari underwent extensive treatment, including gastric bypass surgery and a meticulously tailored diet and exercise regimen. Within just six months, Shaari had lost nearly half of his body weight. This progress was also attributed to the intensive care and physiotherapy provided by his medical team.

To assist with Shaari's mobility, a massive custom-made wheelchair was constructed, allowing him to participate in physical therapy. However, even with these advancements, Shaari still requires mechanical assistance to sit up.

Photos published after the surgery show Shaari smiling and flashing a victory sign, his spirits high despite the long road to recovery. His enduring optimism has earned him the affectionate nickname "the smiling man" among the medical staff.

By last year, 33-year-old Shaari's weight had been reduced to just 63.5 kilograms. While this transformation is nothing short of miraculous, it came at the cost of multiple surgeries to remove excess skin—a necessary step to ensure his long-term health and well-being.