World’s fattest boy returns back to school as his new fitness plan means he can walk again

Indonesia: 10-year-old world’s fattest boy Arya Permana from West Java in Indonesia has returned to school after his new exercise routine allowed him to start walking again. Permana was so obese, that he was unable to walk, sit or play and spent most part of the day lying down.


Permana came to limelight when his mother Rokayah Somantri, 35 put him on a last-ditch diet to save his life, as he gained a massive weight of about 30st 23lbs.

His parents out of anxiety had no choice but to place the ever-growing 200kg frame on a strict diet to control him from bloating any further.

Permana who has shed five kilograms in the last few weeks was placed on a new healthier diet and strict exercise regime on the advice of a dietitian. Permana can now sit and walk to his school and even play with his friends.

“It feels great to be back in school. Everyone likes me here. Teachers treat me nicely.

“I have made many friends and they are very good to me. I also get to play with them. It is so much fun.”

Doctors from Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung, West Java Province came to Permana's aid following his parents desperate bid to save him from dying.

Doctors observed and investigated his condition for a week, but didn’t find any major abnormality and immediately put him on a crash diet and activity program.

Permana now eats healthily, walks for six minutes every few hours, does weightlifting and swims every day.

Permana was a regular and intelligent student until three years ago, after which he grew so big that he couldn't walk and had to drop out of school and received home tuition.
Thanks to his new lifestyle, Permana returned to school last month on a free education

Permana’s dietitian, Dr Nia Nantia, said;

“We have designed a diet and activity program for him. We recommended to his family a month ago.

“We have reduced his diet and increased his physical activity. We have also adjusted his sleep pattern.

“We have included lots of fibre vegetables in his diet and reduced carbohydrates. But the program would be upgraded from time to time.

“Our main focus is on his physical activity currently. The more he walks and plays, the more calories he will burn.”

His parents are now hopeful that their son could return to normal and healthy weight.
His mother said;

“My son was growing up at a rapid rate and we were worried for his health. But now we are happy that he has guidance of doctors and have in fact lost some weight.

“I cannot wait to see him happy and healthy like other kids.”

His father Ade Somantri, 45, who works as a daily wage farmersaid;

“He was a topper in grade 1 and 2 but when he cleared for the third grade, he became so fat that he could not sit or move.

“There was no possible way for us to take him to school so he had to study at home for one whole year.

“He could not play or do anything else like other children. He would only watch TV or play on mobile phone.

“It was extremely painful for us parents.”

Permana and his parents are hopeful that as he continue with his studies, he could be able to fulfill his dream of becoming a machinist.

Somantri added;

“Arya has got his confidence back.

“He is a happy child and is completely enjoying all the attention at school.

“He takes keen interest in natural sciences and social sciences and aspires to become a machinist.

“I know he can fulfill his dream now.”

Permana who is yet to have a school uniform will have one customized for him by Department of Education of Karawang, West Java.

The school is also constructing a special desk and chair for him so he can sit and study comfortably.

Permana said:

“I sit with other kids but I have been told I will get my own desk soon.”

Permana, who used to eat the equivalent of two adults meals, now eats just a small portion of fruit and drinks lots of water for lunch.

“I know I do not get to eat much now but I feel good and light, Permana said.

“I do not feel as hungry anymore.

“I enjoy the healthy food and feel more energetic now.”