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Usually it’s the Hollywood starlets and sea monsters that get scrutinized for every centimeter their waist expands, but this week, it’s North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un who is under the fat-o-scope.

Free North Korea Radio is reporting the diminutive dictator has ballooned by about 20 kilos (44 pounds) since he became top dog, lending credence to rumors that he has been gorging himself on food and booze to deal with the stress of running his country and executing family and friends.

Although details are scarce, Kim’s weight was estimated from photographs at about 100 kilos (220 lbs) when he was first presented to the world. Now, with a noticeably bulging tummy and a couple more chins added to his trademark jowls, experts are putting him around 120 kilos (265 lbs).

At 175 cm (5′ 7″), that’s a whole lot of extra weight to be dragging around from platform shoe shopping to Kim-looks-at-things press tour du jour.

The drastic weight gain seems to have started around the time he reportedly had his uncle by marriage, Jang Song-thaek, and an ex-girlfriend executed.

There are also claims that the leader may be suffering from heart disease, as he reportedly has trouble moving his left arm and is losing his hair. The Seoul-based radio station reports he is receiving twice-weekly treatments to deal with these health problems, but that the North Korean government is trying to keep his ailments under wraps. Previous reports have also suggested he may have hypertension or diabetes.

Man, being a ruthless dictator must be tough. Almost as tough as being an average North Korean.

Source: The Chosun Ilbo h/t Kotaku US
Photo: Real Clear