An Egyptian woman who weighs 500kg (78st) has been flown to India in a cargo plane so she can begin a series of weight reduction surgeries.

After flying from Alexandria to Mumbai, Eman Ahmed Abd El Aty was transported to Saifee Hospital in a truck, and a crane was used to carefully lift her bed into the building.

The bedridden 36-year-old, who was diagnosed with elephantiasis at birth, is going to be under observation for a month before she is operated on by renowned bariatric surgeon Dr Muffazal Lakdawala.

Ms Abd El Aty has been described by Egyptian media as the world's heaviest woman, and she gave a thumbs up as she was admitted to the hospital.

Her round-the-world trip for treatment reportedly marks the first time she has left her home in 25 years.


Image: Eman Ahmed Abd El Aty gave a thumbs up as she arrived in India for treatment

She had been denied entry by the Indian embassy in Cairo until Dr Lakdawala sent a tweet to India's foreign minister and successfully appealed for a visa to be granted.

Ahmed Khaleel, the Egyptian consul-general in Mumbai, said: "She is happy to be here of course, she has been suffering for a long time and hopefully it will be over."

Ms Abd El Aty's condition causes body parts to swell, and she is paralysed in her right arm and leg.

Special arrangements have been made to accommodate her in hospital, including an adapted room with a broader doorway, along with a dedicated intensive care unit.