U.S. doctors may have found an explanation to the increasingly aggressive threats of nuclear war by North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un: it's 'roid rage'.

The rotund dictator has long been alleged to suffer from gout, brought on by his poor diet, which can be treated with steroid medication.

Kim Jong-Un, who is alleged to have executed opponents with a flame-thrower and had his own half-brother assassinated, is currently threatening to conduct nuclear missile tests in the waters of Guam.

On drugs? North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un has long been alleged to suffer from gout, brought on by his poor diet, an illness which can be treated with steroid medication

Now, a renowned orthopedic specialist says the increased number of nuclear missile tests and threats to attack the U.S. could be because of the treatment he receives for gout.

In autumn 2014, Kim was seen on North Korean news walking with a limp and using a cane, which led to international media speculating that he had gout.

Gout is a form of arthritis which causes swelling and pain in the joints. It is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the blood, which in turn can be a result of obesity, diabetes, and a diet high in red meat, seafood and alcohol.

Kim's love for food is well known, with former chefs of his father Kim Jong-Il reporting dining tables laden with steak, sharkfin soup and champagne.

In particular, the 32-year-old is said to be obsessed with Emmenthal cheese, which he discovered during his years studying at a Swiss boarding school.

Ups and downs: A U.S. doctor has linked Kim's persistent threats of war and agressiveness to a possible long-term treatment for gout using steroids

This just in: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been seen in public for the first time in two weeks, inspecting the Command of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army (KPA)

Bad meds: Long-term use of steroids, which is a possible treatment for gout, can lead to mood swings and depression among other side effects

'There’s widespread speculation in the medical community that he has gout, and one of the treatments for gout is steroids,' Dr. Rock Positano of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York told Page Six.

EARTHQUAKE PROMPTS NUCLEAR TESTING FEARS An earthquake struck in North Korea earlier today prompting fears of nuclear testing by Kim Jong-un’s regime. It hit 2.6 on the Richter scale over a two mile area in the west of the country. There is no indication it was because of a nuclear test and the area was not near any known test sites, but it comes amid recent aggression from the country and threats to fire missiles at waters around US territory Guam. US media has reported satellites have captured footage of mobile missile launchers in the country suggesting medium-range ballistic missiles may be being readied for action. It is not believed the earthquake was strong enough to damage any buildings but it would likely have been felt by people. North Korean state media has said Kim has decided against further testing for the moment. wX�teӤ Advertisement

'This fellow could be manifesting '"roid rage".'

Corticosteroids, drugs to treat inflammatory illnesses, including gout, should not be confused with anabolic steroids, used to improve athletic performance and muscle building, which is normally associated with 'roid rage'.

However, cordicosteroids can cause serious side effects if taken long-term, including high blood pressure, stomach ulcers and psychological problems such as depression and mood swings.

Today, the dictator made his first public appearance in two weeks, attending an inspection of the army's strategic forces.

North Korea's leader was then briefed on his military's plans to launch missiles in waters near Guam, the Pacific U.S. territory that is home to several military bases.

Kim praised the military for drawing up a 'close and careful plan', but said he would watch the 'foolish and stupid conduct of the Yankees' a little more before deciding whether to give the order for the missile test, the Korean Central News Agency said.

Kim said North Korea will conduct the planned missile launches near Guam if the 'Yankees persist in their extremely dangerous reckless actions on the Korean Peninsula and its vicinity' and that the US should 'think reasonably and judge property' to avoid shame.

The Korean People's Army's strategic forces said last week it would finalise by mid-August a plan to fire four intermediate ballistic missiles near Guam, which is about 2,000 miles from Pyongyang, and send it to Kim for his approval.