Girl, 9, Weighs 14st

Girl, 9, Weighs 14st
Barcroft

Suman Khatun is one of the most overweight children in the world.

The nine-year-old girl from West Bengal, India, is just 3ft 5ins tall, but weighs 14st 5lbs – five times more than the average weight for her age.

In one week, Barcroft Media reports that Suman eats an incredible 14kgs of rice, 8kgs of potatoes, 8kgs of fish and about 180 bananas.

Suman said: "All my friends are thin, but I am fat.

"I have problems standing, sitting, sleeping, playing and running with my friends."

Her parents say they cannot stop Suman over-eating. "'I am very concerned about her future, as my other kids are normal,' her mum Beli Bibi told reporters, adding that she has requested help and advice from her local doctor.

"It's painful. If it's not controlled, she might get diabetes or heart diseases."

Beli Bibi also said she is concerned Suman has hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid.

However, Suman's symptoms are also true of Prader-Willi syndrome.

Prader Willi syndrome is a rare genetic condition affecting the area of the brain that controls appetite.

According to NHS Choices, symptoms Prader-Willi syndrome may include:

A constant desire to eat food, which seems driven by a permanent feeling of hunger and can easily lead to dangerous weight gain.

Restricted growth, leading to short stature.

Reduced muscle tone.

Learning difficulties.

Lack of secondary sexual development.

Behavioural problems, such as temper tantrums or stubbornness.

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