Description

Excess body weight can increase uric acid production and decrease excretion, significantly raising the risk of gout. Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, which can impair the kidneys' ability to excrete uric acid efficiently. Additionally, fat tissue produces more uric acid than muscle tissue, contributing to higher overall uric acid levels in obese individuals. Weight loss has been shown to reduce uric acid levels and gout risk. A meta-analysis published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that being overweight or obese was associated with a higher risk of gout, with the risk increasing as BMI increased [1]. Another study in the Journal of Rheumatology demonstrated that weight loss through bariatric surgery resulted in a significant reduction in gout attacks [2]. References: [1] Aune, D., Norat, T., & Vatten, L. J. (2014). Body mass index and the risk of gout: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. European Journal of Nutrition, 53(8), 1591-1601. [2] Romero-Talamás, H., Daigle, C. R., Aminian, A., Corcelles, R., Brethauer, S. A., & Schauer, P. R. (2014). The effect of bariatric surgery on gout: a comparative study. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 10(6), 1161-1165.