BMI and the risk of gout

[Keith Taylor]

We have known for a long time that increased Body Mass Index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of gout. A new study consolidates reports and confirms the findings. It concludes that every 5 point increase in BMI above 20 increases the risk of gout by 55%.

This is particularly interesting to me, as I am trying weight loss as a way to reduce, or eliminate, my reliance on allopurinol. Having taken control of gout, I want to enjoy my life with lower risk of other obesity-related diseases. Also, leaving gout untreated for over 16 years has caused some joint weakness, so I want to reduce the stress on my damaged joints.

Actually, I’m quite enjoying taking control of another aspect of my health. If you want some more details, just ask.

I realize BMI is complicated for some people. I also realize it is not an exact measure. However, when explained properly, and related directly to your health, I find it is a very easy measure to use. If you want more explanations of what BMI is, and what it means to your gout, just add some height and weight information to the gout facts in your personal gout profile. Ask some questions, and I’ll try to help you see the personal links between BMI and your gout.

[Keith Taylor]

The name of the report, that I forgot to include above, is: Body mass index and the risk of gout: a systematic review and dose?response meta-analysis of prospective studies. You can read the abstract at http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00394-014-0766-0

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