Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari’s journey from being the heaviest living person in the world to reclaiming his life is one of the most powerful stories of medical achievement and human resilience. Weighing over 610 kilograms at his heaviest, Khalid became the face of extreme obesity—and later, one of the greatest documented weight loss transformations in history.
His story is not just about losing weight. It is about hope, commitment, and a nation rallying behind one young man to give him a second chance at life.
Early Life and the Onset of Extreme Obesity
Khalid was born in 1991 in Jazan, a southern region of Saudi Arabia. Like many young people, he lived an ordinary childhood until his early teens, when he began to experience rapid and uncontrollable weight gain. Whether due to underlying genetic conditions, lifestyle, or a combination of both, Khalid’s weight escalated alarmingly during his teenage years.
By the age of 20, his mobility was severely restricted. By 22, he was completely bedridden. He could no longer sit up or move without assistance, and he had been confined to a bed in a small room in his home for over three years. His BMI reached an astonishing 204—more than six times the healthy range.
At that point, Khalid’s condition had reached a life-threatening stage. He suffered from breathing difficulties, poor circulation, risk of blood clots, infections, pressure sores, and near-total muscle loss due to immobility. He required constant care from his family and was isolated from the outside world.
A Royal Command That Changed Everything
In August 2013, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia learned of Khalid’s condition through a viral news story. Moved by his situation, the King issued a royal decree for immediate medical intervention. This single act would mark the beginning of one of the most ambitious and compassionate medical cases ever documented.
The royal directive included transferring Khalid from his home in Jazan to King Fahd Medical City (KFMC) in Riyadh, a distance of over 1,000 kilometers. This was not a straightforward task. Khalid was too large for conventional transport. A custom-made bed was constructed, and modifications were made to the medical aircraft and ambulance. It took a team of over 30 people—including engineers, paramedics, and physicians—to carry out the move safely.
Treatment Timeline and Medical Journey
Phase 1: August 2013 – Emergency Transfer and Stabilization
Upon arrival at King Fahd Medical City in Riyadh, Khalid was admitted directly to the Intensive Care Unit. His vital signs were unstable, and doctors immediately began the process of stabilizing his condition. This phase included:
- Monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels
- Managing infections and inflammation
- Providing respiratory support using oxygen therapy and CPAP machines
- Treating bedsores and reducing edema (swelling)
- Conducting full-body scans to assess the condition of his organs
This critical phase lasted for several weeks. During this time, a team of physicians, including cardiologists, pulmonologists, nutritionists, surgeons, and physiotherapists, developed a long-term treatment roadmap.
Phase 2: September 2013 – Nutritional Rehabilitation Begins
Once stable, Khalid was put on a carefully designed liquid diet to begin the process of weight reduction. The diet was extremely low in calories but rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and protein to prevent nutrient deficiencies. His calorie intake was monitored round the clock to ensure safe weight loss.
In the first month alone, he lost over 100 kilograms.
Phase 3: October – December 2013 – Progressive Weight Loss and Mobility Planning
Over the next few months, Khalid’s weight continued to drop. During this period, the following interventions were introduced:
- Specially designed mobility beds to prevent bed sores and improve circulation
- Compression therapy to reduce the risk of blood clots
- Passive physical therapy including limb movements to maintain joint flexibility
- Respiratory training to strengthen the lungs and improve oxygen intake
Khalid’s psychological health was also addressed through counseling, helping him cope with the changes and begin envisioning a different future.
By December 2013, Khalid had lost over 250 kilograms—an incredible feat in less than four months.
Phase 4: Early 2014 – Bariatric Surgery and Surgical Milestones
Once his body could safely endure surgery, Khalid underwent a high-risk gastric bypass procedure. This surgery reduced the size of his stomach and altered the digestive tract to minimize calorie absorption.
Bariatric surgery was a crucial turning point. It not only accelerated weight loss but also helped regulate insulin levels, reduce appetite hormones, and improve metabolic health.
Post-surgery care involved:
- Intravenous nutrition for recovery
- Pain management
- Prevention of infections and blood clots
- Gradual reintroduction to solid foods
The surgery was a success, and Khalid’s weight continued to decline steadily.
Phase 5: Mid to Late 2014 – Rehabilitation and Early Standing
As weight continued to drop, physical therapy became more intense. Khalid began learning how to sit up with support and use his arms to assist with basic movements. For the first time in years, he was able to be moved from his bed to a wheelchair.
With continued therapy, Khalid was able to stand with the help of parallel bars and support frames—a moment that made headlines across Saudi Arabia.
This period also included:
- Strengthening exercises for leg and back muscles
- Breathing exercises to increase stamina
- Hydrotherapy for low-impact joint movement
- Occupational therapy to relearn essential daily activities
Phase 6: 2015 – 2016 – Reconstructive Surgeries and Continued Physical Rehabilitation
As Khalid’s weight dropped below 200 kg, he was left with vast amounts of excess skin, particularly around the abdomen, arms, and legs. These were not only uncomfortable but also prone to infection and reduced his mobility.
A series of reconstructive surgeries were performed in 2015 and 2016 to remove the excess skin in stages. Each surgery required a team of plastic surgeons and post-operative care that included wound management and physical therapy.
This phase also marked a return to normalcy—Khalid could now perform basic activities on his own. He began walking with assistance and enjoyed the freedom of moving independently for the first time in years.
Phase 7: 2017 – Full Recovery and Transformation Completion
By the end of 2017, Khalid’s weight had dropped to 68 kilograms—a total loss of 542 kg. From 610 kg to 68 kg, he had achieved the largest medically documented weight loss in human history.
His transformation was complete not only physically, but emotionally. Khalid was no longer bedridden, no longer dependent, and no longer isolated.
He was affectionately known by his medical team as “The Smiling Man” for his positive attitude, sense of humor, and gratitude toward his caregivers and the royal support that saved his life.
The Emotional and Psychological Side of the Journey
Throughout this intensive four-year process, Khalid was supported by a team of counselors and mental health professionals. Extreme obesity is often tied to mental health challenges such as depression, social anxiety, and trauma. Rebuilding not just his body, but also his confidence and sense of identity, was an essential part of Khalid’s success.
His caregivers recall that Khalid showed immense mental strength, never giving up even when the treatment became painful or emotionally overwhelming. He formed close bonds with his medical team, many of whom described his progress as deeply moving and inspiring.
What Khalid’s Story Teaches the World
Khalid’s story is far more than a personal victory—it is a global lesson in how comprehensive care, compassion, and early intervention can transform even the most complex medical cases.
It challenges the stigma surrounding obesity by reminding us that severe obesity is not just a result of overeating or poor discipline—it’s a complex condition involving genetics, environment, mental health, and socio-economic factors.
It also underlines the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach in medicine. No single surgery, no miracle pill, no one-size-fits-all diet could have saved Khalid. What worked was a coordinated, sustained, and compassionate treatment model that combined surgical expertise, nutritional science, physical rehabilitation, and psychological support.
Where Is Khalid Now?
While Khalid has remained out of the media spotlight in recent years, reports suggest he is living a healthier, more independent life. His recovery allowed him to engage in daily life, interact with others, and experience the world beyond the four walls of his bedroom.
He will likely require long-term follow-up and medical support to maintain his health, but the hardest part of the journey is behind him. Khalid has already achieved what many once thought was impossible.
Conclusion
Khalid bin Mohsen Shaari’s transformation stands as one of the most extraordinary medical stories ever recorded. From weighing over 610 kilograms and being completely dependent, to walking and living a life of freedom, Khalid’s journey is a beacon of hope to millions facing similar battles.
It is a reminder that with the right support, the human body and spirit are capable of incredible recovery. Khalid didn’t just lose weight—he reclaimed his dignity, independence, and future.
His life today serves as a quiet but powerful reminder: no condition is too far gone, and no human being is beyond help.