Saudi Man Sheds 542 kg in Unbelievable Weight Loss Journey

Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari, once recognised as the world’s heaviest man, has undergone a life-changing transformation, shedding an astonishing 542 kg. In 2013, Khalid’s weight peaked at a life-threatening 610 kg, leaving him bedridden and entirely dependent on family and friends for basic needs.

Moved by his plight, Saudi Arabia’s late King Abdullah intervened, orchestrating a comprehensive and life-saving medical plan. Khalid was airlifted from his home in Jazan to King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, requiring a specially designed bed and a forklift for transport. There, a dedicated team of 30 medical professionals developed a rigorous treatment program.

Khalid’s journey to recovery included gastric bypass surgery, a customised diet, a tailored exercise regime, and intensive physiotherapy to restore his mobility. Under the care of top medical experts, Khalid achieved a dramatic weight loss of nearly 50% within just six months.

By 2023, Khalid’s weight had decreased to a healthy 63.5 kg. His transformation was so significant that he required multiple surgeries to remove excess skin—a common necessity after massive weight loss. Today, Khalid is affectionately known as “The Smiling Man,” a tribute to his incredible resilience and the joy he radiates after overcoming such immense challenges.