World's heaviest man sheds 542 kg in remarkable transformation

Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari was earlier in a critical state, relying entirely on friends and family for assistance

Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari, once recognised as the world's heaviest man, has achieved a remarkable transformation, shedding 542 kilograms with the support of Saudi Arabia's former King Abdullah.

In 2013, Shaari, who had been bedridden for over three years and weighed 610 kilograms, drew the attention of King Abdullah, who arranged for him to receive extensive medical care at no cost.

As the second heaviest person ever recorded, Shaari was in a critical state, relying entirely on friends and family for assistance.

Moved by Shaari's plight, King Abdullah coordinated a plan that involved a team of 30 medical experts to manage his case. With the help of a forklift and a custom-made bed, Shaari was transported from his home in Jazan to King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh, where he received comprehensive treatment, including gastric bypass surgery, and a personalized diet and exercise plan.

In the first six months of treatment, Shaari lost nearly half of his body weight, thanks to intensive care that also included extensive physiotherapy to restore his mobility.

By 2023, his weight had dropped to 63.5 kilograms, though he required multiple surgeries to remove excess skin.

Today, Shaari is affectionately known as "the smiling man," a nickname given by the medical staff who supported him throughout his journey.