Remember the Indonesian toddler who gained internet infamy in 2010 after it was revealed that he chain-smoked 40 cigarettes a day (and had amazing motor skills for a 2-year-old I might add)?
Well, there’s good news and there’s bad news. Ardi Rizal, now 5-years-old, has given up the vice, but he’s picked up another one. Junk food.
The youngster had to attend a rehabilitation program set up by the Indonesian government. Turns out his story caused such an outrage, the administration launched a campaign to stop childhood smoking nationwide.
But to fill that void, Ardi is demanding food, not cancer sticks.
“When Ardi first quit smoking he would demand a lot of toys,” his mother said. “He would bang his head on the wall if he couldn’t get what he wanted… Now I don’t give him cigarettes, but he eats a lot. With so many people living in the house it’s hard to stop him from getting food.”
Nutritionist Fransisca Dewi says the child is already dangerously overweight, tipping the scales at 52 pounds (24 kilos).
And his early obsession with cigarettes isn’t helping.
As The Independent notes, Ardi’s early smoking habits may contribute to his current weight problems, as nicotine affects hormone, insulin and glucose levels in the body.
Doctors hope Ardi can lose between seven and 14 pounds so that his weight will even out as he grows. And here’s hoping his health improves.
SOURCE: Huffington Post | VIDEO SOURCE: YouTube
