Yuzhou relied on a ventilator for breathing support early in his hospitalization because his massive weight led to respiratory distress. Photo: Screenshot from media outlet
The 33-year-old man, named Yuzhou from North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, weighed 340 kilograms in May 2024 and became unable to walk starting in November of the same year.
Emotional struggles led to Yuzhou’s uncontrolled weight gain, according to the report. By 2019, Yuzhou developed severe depression and even contemplated suicide. He said that his weight soared to over 350 kilograms in less than three years. “I gained weight purely from eating,” Yuzhou admitted, stating he consumed three to five meals daily, each including 25 steamed buns, said the report.
His massive weight caused fat and muscle to compress his chest and cardiopulmonary system, making each breath extremely difficult. Upon hospitalization, he immediately required a non-invasive ventilator to assist his breathing. Medical staff struggled to find an oversized ventilator mask suitable for him, Hangzhou Daily reported.
For patients with severe obesity like Yuzhou, metabolic weight-loss surgery is often the most effective treatment. However, eligibility requires the patient’s weight to drop below 250 kilograms, improved respiratory function, and a blood oxygen level above 95 percent. Nutritionists adjusted his meal replacement plan based on his condition to ensure balanced, safe, and healthy weight loss. Rehabilitation specialists also designed a set of exercises he could perform lying down.
The efforts of both medical staff and Yuzhou soon showed remarkable results. His weight dropped by three to five kilograms daily. By the 18th day of hospitalization, he had lost 65 kilograms. By day 48, his waist circumference had shrunk from 210 centimeters to 188 centimeters, a reduction of 22 centimeters, and his total weight loss reached 104.4 kilograms, bringing him down to 255 kilograms - closer to the surgical threshold. His physical mobility also improved significantly.
On day 55 of hospitalization, Yuzhou’s weight fell below 250 kilograms, meeting all surgical criteria. To ensure a safe procedure, the hospital specially customized extra-long laparoscopic surgical instruments. During the three-hour surgery, 70 percent of his stomach was removed to curb his food intake.
Nine days after surgery, Yuzhou was discharged in stable condition. By one month post-discharge, his weight had decreased further to 225 kilograms. From early winter to the start of spring, he had lost a total of 115 kilograms.
Hangzhou Daily
