Journey from Fat to Fit: How Saudi’s Khalid Shaari lost weight from 610 kg to 63 kg

In a story that defies all odds, Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari from Saudi Arabia made headlines after shedding an astonishing amount of weight, achieving one of the most significant weight losses ever recorded. His transformation journey, which began in 2013, was not just about losing pounds but reclaiming his life after years of immobility.

At his heaviest, Khalid weighed over 1,345 pounds (610 kg). His situation became so dire that he was confined to his bed for three long years, unable to move or live a normal life. Desperate for help, Khalid’s plea reached the most unlikely of ears – King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. The king personally intervened, organizing a specialized medical treatment plan for Khalid.

Khalid was transferred to King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh, where a team of 30 medical staff worked together to begin his treatment. Due to his size, a forklift was needed to assist in moving him. His treatment plan included a gastric bypass operation and a rigorous regimen to help him lose weight.

As part of his recovery, a custom-designed wheelchair was provided to Khalid, allowing him to begin physical therapy and regain some mobility. This marked the beginning of his incredible transformation. Within six months, Khalid managed to lose half of his body weight, a testament to his determination and the intensive program he was following.

The results were nothing short of miraculous. Khalid eventually reduced his weight to 140 pounds (63.5 kg), which brought him down to a healthy and average weight range. However, his journey didn’t end there. In 2018, he underwent additional procedures to remove excess skin, a common surgery for individuals who have experienced such significant weight loss.

Now 29 years old, Khalid has undergone a complete transformation, both physically and emotionally. The medical staff who cared for him affectionately called him “The Smiling Man,” reflecting his positive outlook and joyful personality.

At the time of his initial appeal, Khalid was the second heaviest person ever recorded, with the title of the heaviest belonging to American Jon Brower Minnoch, who weighed 1,400 pounds (635 kg). Khalid’s incredible journey serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s resilience and the impact that compassionate intervention can have on someone’s life.