This article tells the story of Arya Permana, a boy from Indonesia who was once considered the world’s heaviest child. By the time he was 10 years old, his weight had reached an astonishing 191.9 kilograms (about 423 pounds), making it extremely difficult for him to walk or attend school, so he studied at home instead.

Due to severe obesity that threatened his health — causing strain on his heart, lungs, and joints — doctors performed bariatric surgery, making Arya one of the youngest people to undergo the procedure.

Through the surgery and a strict diet of fish, vegetables, and fruit, Arya lost 106 kg (about 234 lbs). Today, at age 13, he weighs approximately 85.8 kg (about 189 lbs) and can walk, run, and enjoy life with friends again.

However, after losing so much weight, Arya now faces a new challenge: excess skin on his body that he wants removed to complete his transformation — a goal that continues to inspire many people around the world.