Diet For Gout And Weight Loss

Gout has been associated with weight gain for centuries, and many studies support this. One significant report looks at Obesity, Weight Change, Hypertension, Diuretic Use, and Risk of Gout in Men. It contains many statistics about gout patients compared with people without gout. Most of the report analyzes weight.

The report uses Body Mass Index as the basis for most of its statistics. Before we look at the results, I'll tell you about Body Mass Index (BMI).

Body Mass Index

BMI is a simple, calculated value that should be used to classify people. It classifies groups of people as underweight, normal, overweight, obese, or morbidly obese. BMI calculation is easy - weight over height squared. But don't worry about calculations - I've provided tables below.

But first a warning, especially if you see BMI referred to elsewhere. It is often overused and misinterpreted, perhaps due to it's simplicity.

Body Mass Index is not a yardstick for ideal weight. Bone structure and muscularity play a large part in determining a healthy weight, yet BMI takes no account of these or any other factors.

However, it is good for statistical comparisons, hence it's use in several studies. I also believe it gives you a good starting point when you begin to think how a diet for gout can help you.

More of your diet for gout later. Let's look at the study results first.

Gout And Weight Statistics

The studies results tell us that the risk of gout increases in line with increased BMI.
With a BMI of 25-29.9 (overweight) you are almost twice as likely to get gout than at normal weight (BMI 21-22.9).
With a BMI of 30 to 34.9 (lower half of obese scale) the risk rises to two and a half times more likely to get gout.
Risks rise to an average of 3 times at the upper end of the obese scale (BMI over 35).

Similar results were found in an earlier, much smaller, study that showed how a specific diet for gout could reduce uric acid and weight. Beneficial effects of weight loss associated with moderate calorie/carbohydrate restriction, and increased proportional intake of protein and unsaturated fat on serum urate and lipoprotein levels in gout: a pilot study shows how weight loss over a 12 week period leads to improved uric acid levels and reduced gout flares.

I believe these studies present a good argument for including weight loss targets in your diet for gout. Weight loss is not the only answer, but it is important for most gout sufferers.

BMI Tables

To use the table below, you need to know your weight in pounds. If you use stones and pounds, first use the second table to lookup your weight in pounds.

Find the line that represents your height in the first table. Read across the line for your BMI category. Anything above normal weight suggests that losing weight may help your gout. The more overweight you are, the more likely you are to benefit from losing weight.

Stones / Pounds Table

Using BMI In A Diet For Gout

Please note that the BMI table only gives indications. If you are particularly athletic, your "normal weight" will be higher. If you lead a very sedentary lifestyle, your "normal weight" will be lower. The table gives a ball park category that gives you an idea of how losing weight might help you. It does not mean you need to lose X pounds.

Never frighten yourself into thinking you have to lose a set number of pounds. On the GoutPal Diet Plan we just try to lose a pound or two a week. It's easy when you just make a few small changes and lose weight slowly. It's better for you as well - your diet for gout must always avoid rapid weight change.

If you've got any questions about your diet for gout, or comments about what I've said, please add your point of view to the diet for gout discussion on Gout Pal Interactive.

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