Description

Extreme dieting can lead to rapid weight loss and trigger gout attacks through several mechanisms. During crash diets, the body enters a catabolic state, breaking down tissues and releasing stored purines into the bloodstream. This sudden increase in purine metabolism can lead to elevated uric acid levels. Additionally, crash diets often result in ketosis, a metabolic state that can compete with uric acid for excretion in the kidneys, further increasing blood uric acid concentrations. Dehydration, a common side effect of extreme dieting, can also concentrate uric acid in the blood. Rapid weight loss can cause uric acid to be released from fat cells as they break down, temporarily increasing uric acid levels. A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that rapid weight loss increased the risk of recurrent gout attacks, even in individuals who were not overweight [1]. Another study in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that gradual weight loss through a balanced diet was more effective in reducing uric acid levels and gout risk compared to crash dieting [2]. While weight loss is generally beneficial for gout management, it's important to approach it gradually and under medical supervision.