Any gout sufferers who want tips and proper support to lose weight only need ask in the gout diet forum – it’s free.

That is why GoutPal.com is referred to on hundreds of body building sites.

More importantly, we are not dealing with general population here, but gout sufferers. Gout Virgins can afford to risk a little extra body mass, but us gouties need to be more careful.

The statistical study that I quote gives a clear indication of a link between increasing BMI and increasing risk for gout. I’m never completely convinced by statistics, but the second study that I mention confirms this specific link that lowering BMI does lower uric acid. Unfortunately most of the subjects did not achieve a large enough reduction, and it is unclear if this can be achieved by continuing the dietary controls beyond 12 weeks.

My advise is to take allopurinol as well as embarking on weight loss. The allopurinol will protect you against excess uric acid whilst you lose weight. Once you have lost weight, your regular uric acid tests (a necessary, though often overlooked part of allopurinol therapy) will tell you when it is safe to relax the allopurinol dose.

Smaller plates and drinking a glass of water are good ways to cut down on the calories. Nobody has proved the benefits of appetite suppressant supplements to me. Eating less really comes down to willpower.