South Korea’s intelligence agency told lawmakers on Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has gained weight and is experiencing health problems related to obesity, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. They are seeking new medications from other countries to treat these conditions.

Kim, who is 40 years old, has a history of heavy drinking and smoking, and comes from a family with a history of heart problems. Both his father and grandfather, who ruled North Korea before he inherited the leadership in 2011, died from heart issues.

Some observers reported that Kim, who is about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and previously weighed 308 pounds, appeared to have lost a significant amount of weight in 2021, likely due to dietary changes. However, recent state media footage shows he has regained the weight.

On Monday, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), South Korea’s primary spy agency, told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing that Kim is estimated to weigh about 308 pounds again and is considered to be at high risk for heart disease, according to Lee Seong Kweun, one of the lawmakers.

Lee said that the NIS informed lawmakers that Kim has exhibited symptoms of high blood pressure and diabetes since his early 30s. Another lawmaker, Park Sunwon, stated that the NIS believes Kim’s obesity is linked to his drinking, smoking, and stress.

Lee and Park quoted the NIS as saying that they have obtained intelligence indicating that North Korean officials have been attempting to acquire new medications from abroad for Kim’s suspected high blood pressure and diabetes.

North Korea is known as one of the most secretive countries in the world, and outsiders have virtually no access to information about Kim’s precise health conditions. The NIS has also had a mixed record in confirming developments in North Korea.

Kim’s health is a subject of great interest outside of North Korea, as he has not formally designated a successor to assume control of the country’s advancing nuclear arsenal targeting the United States and its allies if he becomes incapacitated.

In its Monday briefing, the NIS also maintained its assessment that Kim’s preteen daughter, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae, is likely being groomed to be her father’s successor. However, the NIS stated that it cannot rule out the possibility that she could be replaced by one of her siblings, as she has not been officially designated as her father’s successor.

Speculation about Kim Ju Ae, who is approximately 10 years old, intensified after she began accompanying her father on high-profile public events starting in late 2022. State media referred to her as the “most beloved” or “respected” child and featured footage and photos highlighting her rising political standing and close relationship with her father.

The NIS informed lawmakers that at least 60% of Kim Ju Ae’s public appearances have involved attending military events with her father.