The tightly controlled state media on Friday quoted an unidentified resident of Pyongyang as saying that everyone in North Korea was heartbroken after seeing images of the noticeably slimmer leader.
Analysts suggest the remarks showed authorities were seeking to use the change to Kim's weight to reinforce loyalty to the regime in desperate times.
The impoverished, nuclear-armed country is more isolated than ever behind its self-imposed coronavirus barricade, and this month admitted to tackling a food crisis, sounding the alarm in a nation with a moribund agricultural sector that has long struggled to feed itself.
HORRIFIC FOOTAGE EMERGES: FRANTIC RESCUE EFFORTS AFTER RUSSIAN MISSILES HIT UKRAINIAN CITY (WATCH)
Kim's health has long been closely watched internationally as his sudden death would raise questions over succession and stability.
Known as a heavy smoker, he has long been obese, with his weight appearing to increase steadily in recent years.
TECH GIANTS JOIN FORCES WITH DHS IN HERCULEAN BATTLE AGAINST CHILD EXPLOITATION
However, he looked significantly less overweight in recent media images published by Pyongyang's official KCNA news agency and on state television.
Some observers estimate Kim - who is about 5ft8in tall and has previously weighed 308 pounds may have lost between 22 and 44 pounds.
HIGH-STAKES SUMMIT: G7 MULLS SANCTIONS ON IRAN, WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT?
Kim's personal life is normally taboo for North Korea's state media and Pyongyang has never even confirmed how many children he has.
BOEING WHISTLEBLOWER REVEALS SHOCKING SAFETY CONCERNS PLAGUING BOEING'S 787 DREAMLINERS
But KCTV last week aired a clip of an unnamed resident of the capital claiming everyone in the country was 'heartbroken' by his 'emaciated' condition.
'Seeing our respected general secretary looking emaciated breaks our people's hearts the most,' he said.
UNTHINKABLE IMPACT: ISS DEBRIS STRIKES FLORIDA RESIDENCE, NASA LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION
'Everyone is talking about how their tears welled up immediately.'
Analysts say Pyongyang is using Kim's appearance as a way to glorify him by portraying him as a 'devoted, hardworking' leader as the country struggles to tackle its food crisis and other challenges.
POLITICAL FIRESTORM: SPEAKER JOHNSON FACING FIERCE REBELLION OVER FOREIGN AID BILLS
'If outside observers picked up on the change in Kim's appearance, you can bet your bottom dollar that the North Korean people noticed it, too, and more quickly,' said Christopher Green, a Korea specialist at Leiden University in the Netherlands.
PROGRESSIVES LAUNCH 'PROTECT THE SQUAD' INITIATIVE AMIDST RISING PRESSURE
It shut its borders in January last year to protect itself against the pandemic, and as a result trade with Beijing -- its economic lifeline -- has slowed to a trickle while all international aid workers have left the country.
'The message Pyongyang is sending is that Kim is a leader who works very hard for his people even to a degree he skips meals and loses weight,' defector-turned-researcher Ahn Chan-il told AFP.
WATCH: SURVIVOR'S BRAVE TESTIMONY AFTER HORRIFIC NIGHT IN ELITE LA NEIGHORHOOD
It is unusual, though not unheard of, for North Korean state media to mention a leader's health. With succession plans unclear, a sudden decline in Kim's health could throw nuclear-armed North Korea's 76-year-old system of hereditary leadership into disarray.
Discover alternative ideas that will make you think
Engage in mind bending debate
Earn points, rise in rank, have fun
