From the Guidelines
High uric acid itself does not directly cause weight gain, but rather being overweight or obese often leads to elevated uric acid levels in the body. The relationship between uric acid and weight is complex, and excess body fat, particularly visceral fat, can increase uric acid production and decrease its elimination through the kidneys 1. This is why weight loss is frequently recommended for people with high uric acid levels or gout. Some key factors to consider in managing high uric acid levels and weight include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight through lifestyle modifications
- Limiting alcohol consumption, especially beer, as it can increase uric acid levels 1
- Reducing intake of purine-rich foods like red meat and seafood
- Staying well-hydrated to help eliminate uric acid through the kidneys
- Regular exercise to support healthy weight management and reduce uric acid levels
It's also important to note that some medications used to treat high uric acid, such as allopurinol or febuxostat, do not cause weight gain as a common side effect. However, if you're experiencing unexplained weight gain along with high uric acid, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider as both could be symptoms of underlying metabolic issues like insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome 1. Focusing on lifestyle modifications and maintaining a healthy weight is crucial in managing high uric acid levels and supporting overall health.
From the Research
Relationship Between Hyperuricemia and Weight Gain
- Hyperuricemia, or elevated uric acid levels, has been associated with an increased risk of obesity and weight gain in several studies 2, 3, 4, 5.
- A longitudinal study of 4411 initially obesity-free subjects found that high serum uric acid levels were independently and positively associated with the risk of incident obesity 3.
- Another study found that higher baseline uric acid levels were a significant predictor of less favorable BMI, triglycerides, HDL, glucose, insulin, and HOMA in young, healthy adults 4.
- Serum uric acid and plasma norepinephrine concentrations have also been shown to predict subsequent weight gain and blood pressure elevation in a longitudinal study of 433 young, nonobese, normotensive men 5.
Potential Mechanisms
- Higher waist circumference and BMI are associated with higher insulin resistance and leptin production, which can reduce uric acid excretion and contribute to hyperuricemia 2.
- The synthesis of fatty acids in the liver is associated with the de novo synthesis of purine, which can accelerate uric acid production 2.
- Uric acid may also play a role in oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, which can contribute to the development of obesity and cardiometabolic disease 6.