Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari, who was once recognized as the heaviest man alive, has experienced a profound transformation over the past decade, largely due to the humanitarian efforts of Saudi Arabia’s former King Abdullah. Shaari, whose weight had reached an astonishing 610kg, has managed to lose an impressive 542kg.
In 2013, Shaari’s situation caught the attention of King Abdullah, who was deeply moved by his condition and initiated an extraordinary medical intervention to save the young man’s life. At that time, Shaari, then a teenager, had been bedridden for more than three years, completely dependent on his family and friends for even his most basic needs. His severe obesity had left him immobile and on the verge of losing his life.
A team of 30 medical experts was assembled to manage Khalid Shaari’s treatment, and a plan was developed to transport him from his home in Jazan, southern Saudi Arabia, to King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh.
This complex operation required a forklift and a specially designed bed to move Shaari.
Upon his arrival in Riyadh, Shaari underwent extensive treatment, including gastric bypass surgery, coupled with a carefully designed diet and exercise program. Remarkably, within just six months, Shaari had lost nearly half of his body weight. This significant progress was also attributed to the intensive care and physiotherapy provided by his medical team.
To facilitate Shaari’s mobility, a large custom-made wheelchair was created, enabling him to participate in physical therapy. Despite these advancements, Shaari still needs mechanical assistance to sit up.
Photos taken after the surgery show Shaari smiling and making a victory sign, his spirits high despite the long road to recovery. His unyielding optimism has earned him the affectionate nickname “the smiling man” among the medical staff.
By last year, Shaari, now 33 years old, had reduced his weight to just 63.5 kilograms. While this transformation is nothing short of miraculous, it required multiple surgeries to remove excess skin—a necessary measure to ensure his long-term health and well-being.
