Keeping a healthy body weight key to curbing gout cases

January 4, 2021 (Vancouver) – A new Arthritis Research Canada study finds an estimated 77 per cent of gout cases could be avoided by controlling body weight and modifying specific lifestyle factors, including diet.

Maintaining a normal BMI, avoiding alcohol consumption, eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, as well as low in red/processed meats and sweetened beverages, and no diuretic use, was associated with a substantially lower risk of incident gout during follow-up.

This study included 44,654 American men followed over 26 years. 

“Modifying behaviour can play an important role in reducing incidences of this painful disease,” said Natalie McCormick, a research trainee at Arthritis Research Canada.

The findings also suggest that 22 per cent of gout cases could, in theory, be prevented by following the DASH diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy. It could also further prevent and treat related conditions like hypertension, which affects nearly 75 per cent of gout patients.

Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in most Western countries and gout flares are among the most painful events experienced by people. Paralleling the modern obesity epidemic, the disease burden of gout is also increasing around the world.

To read the full research paper, please click here.

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*This research was supervised by Dr. Hyon Choi, a Research Scientist of Rheumatology at Arthritis Research Canada.

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Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada’s scientific director, Dr. Diane Lacaille is leading a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose world recognized research is creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research across Canada in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec and is affiliated with five major universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Calgary, Université Laval, and McGill University. Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, new and better treatment, and improved quality of life.

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