Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari, a Saudi Arabian man, captured global attention with his extraordinary weight loss journey. Once the heaviest living person and the second heaviest in recorded history, Khalid's story is one of resilience, royal intervention, and a life-altering transformation.
From Bedridden to "The Smiling Man": Khalid's Early Struggles
Born on February 28, 1991, Khalid's weight reached a staggering 1,345 pounds (610 kg) at his heaviest. This extreme weight confined him to his bed for three years, rendering him unable to move or perform basic daily tasks. His dire situation required him to depend on friends and family for his most fundamental needs.
A Royal Intervention: King Abdullah's Life-Saving Decision
Khalid's plea for help reached King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, who was moved by his plight and arranged for Khalid to receive the best medical care available at no cost. In August 2013, King Abdullah ordered Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari, to undergo treatment in Riyadh. This marked the beginning of Khalid's long journey to recovery.
The Journey to Recovery: A Comprehensive Treatment Plan
Transferring Khalid to King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh was a logistical challenge in itself, requiring a forklift and a specially designed bed. A team of 30 medical professionals, including 21 specialists, was assembled to develop and implement a rigorous treatment plan.
The treatment included:
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
- Nutritional and surgical treatment program: An intense nutritional and surgical treatment program was developed.
- Gastric bypass surgery: Khalid underwent gastric bypass surgery.
- Customized diet and exercise plan: A customized diet and exercise plan was created to help him shed excess weight.
- Intensive physiotherapy: Intensive physiotherapy sessions aimed at helping him regain his mobility were conducted.
A custom-designed wheelchair was provided to Khalid, allowing him to begin physical therapy and regain some mobility.
Remarkable Results: A Transformation Unfolds
The results of the treatment were nothing short of miraculous. Within six months, Khalid lost nearly half his body weight. By 2023, Khalid had lost an astounding 542 kg, bringing his weight down to a healthy 140 pounds (63.5 kg).
Excess Skin Removal: Completing the Physical Transformation
Khalid's dramatic weight loss led to excess skin, a common issue for individuals who undergo massive weight loss. To address this, he underwent multiple procedures to remove the excess skin, "refitting" it to his new body shape.
"The Smiling Man": A New Outlook on Life
Now 29 years old, Khalid has undergone a complete transformation, both physically and emotionally. His cheerful demeanor and positive outlook on life earned him the nickname "The Smiling Man" from the medical staff who treated him.
Historical Context: Khalid's Place Among the Heaviest People
At the time of his initial appeal for help, Khalid was believed to be the second heaviest person in recorded history, weighing 1,345 pounds (610 kg). The heaviest person ever recorded was American Jon Brower Minnoch, who weighed approximately 1,400 pounds (635 kg).
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation