A child said to be the fattest boy in the world has gone back to school after a strict diet helped him walk again.
Arya
Permana plumped up to a massive 30st 23lbs before his terrified mother
put him on a desperate exercise regime to try and save his life.
The
ten-year-old was so overweight he spent most of his time lying down -
and wasn't able to walk, sit or play for any length of time.
His
ever-growing giant frame had left his helpless parents with so much
anxiety that they put him on a strict diet to stop him from bloating
even further.
But with a dietician's advice, a new healthier diet and strict
exercise regime in place, Arya has steadily begun losing weight -
already shedding five kilograms in just a few weeks.
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He can now not only sit but also walk to his school and play with his class mates.
Arya said via an interpreter: "I am extremely delighted. I cannot express my happiness in words.
"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."
After
the story of Arya's parents desperately trying to save him from dying
hit headlines, doctors from Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung in West
Java Province came to his aid.
They monitored and investigated
his condition for a week, and while they didn't find any major
abnormality, immediately put him on a crash diet and activity program.
Now Arya eats healthily, walks for six minutes every few hours, does weight lifting and swims every day.
Dr
Nia Nantia, Arya's dietician, 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."
Arya's parents are now hopeful that their son could return to a normal, healthy weight.
His mother Rokayah Somantri, 35, 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."
Arya was a sharp and regular student until three years ago, when he grew so big that walking became impossible for him.
He had to drop out of school and received home tuition.
But thanks to his new lifestyle, he was admitted to Cipurwasari
Elementary School on July 18th, where he is getting a free education.
