THE world’s fattest boy has returned to school in West Java after his new exercise regime enabled him to begin walking again.

Arya Permana hit the headlines when his mother put him on a last-ditch diet to save his life, as the 10-year-old tipped the scales at a whopping 30st 23lbs.

He was so severely obese, he spent most of the day lying down and was unable to walk, sit or play for longer than a few minutes.

His ever-growing 200kg 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 dietitian’s advice, a new healthier diet and strict exercise regime in place, Permana has steadily begun losing weight - already shedding five kilograms in just a few weeks.

He can now not only sit but also walk to his school and play with his class mates.

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

Dr Nia Nantia, Permana’s dietitian, 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.”

Permana’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.”

Permana 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.

His father Ade Somantri, 45, said: “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 with continuing his studies, he could be able to fulfil his dream of becoming a machinist.

Dad Somantri, who works as a daily wage farmer, 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 fulfil his dream now.”

Permana does not have a school uniform yet as it is being custom made by Department of Education of Karawang, West Java.

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

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

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

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

“I do not feel as hungry anymore.

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