A novice monk in Ratchaburi weighs over 260 kilograms and suffers from multiple health complications, including loss of vision in his left eye. He seeks treatment, fearing he may become bedridden in the future.
Yesterday (18 Jun), reporters visited Tan Pak Lat Temple in Khung Phayom Subdistrict, Ban Pong District, Ratchaburi, after learning that a novice monk weighed more than 200 kilograms. Upon arrival, staff from Khung Phayom Health Promoting Hospital, village health volunteers, and the village headman were conducting a health check on Phra Nantawat Ittitesho, 34, a novice monk at Tan Pak Lat Temple. He appeared large and obese, walked with difficulty but still showed a bright expression. Initial tests found high blood pressure, though his blood sugar levels were still within normal limits.
Phra Nantawat Ittitesho revealed that he has been ordained and studying Buddhist teachings for 14 years and has passed the second-level Pali scripture exam. Currently, he weighs as much as 260 kilograms. He began experiencing weight problems around age 15, when he weighed over 100 kilograms, and his weight increased by an average of 5 to 10 kilograms annually. His weight issues have severely affected his health, including walking only a few dozen meters before needing to rest, along with high blood pressure, high blood lipids, glaucoma, and being at risk for diabetes. He has also lost vision in his left eye, preventing him from performing monastic duties normally.
Phra Nantawat continued that about two years ago he received treatment at Ban Pong Hospital for severe eye pain lasting more than two months. During that time, the hospital controlled his nutrition, resulting in a weight loss of about 20 kilograms. However, after returning to life at the temple, his weight rapidly increased because he could not choose his food and regularly drank sweetened beverages and sodas when craving sugar. He admitted concern about future health problems, especially the possibility of becoming bedridden or needing surgery, which would burden the monks caring for him. Therefore, he wishes to undergo bariatric surgery to address his health problems long term.
Ms. Bussamalee Muangchim, a professional nurse acting as director of Khung Phayom Health Promoting Hospital, said the health unit has continuously monitored and assessed Phra Nantawat's health. He suffers from chronic obesity and has underlying conditions including high blood pressure and high blood lipids, complications that caused loss of vision in his left eye. She has advised him to change his health behaviors regarding diet, rest, exercise, medication, and regular health checkups.
Meanwhile, local health officials and village health volunteers plan to request cooperation from devotees who bring food offerings to the monk to choose healthier options such as brown rice and riceberry rice, reduce sugary foods and sodas, and control the amount of high-sugar fruits to help control his weight and reduce the risk of complications. The bariatric surgery will require thorough evaluation by doctors, both physically and mentally. However, officials believe Phra Nantawat has a good chance to receive treatment due to his willingness to cooperate and support from the abbot, fellow monks, health officials, and local residents, who are all ready to assist. Arrangements are underway to refer him to Ban Pong Hospital for specialized care.