New study highlights impact of anti-obesity medications on gout risk

Findings from new research published in Arthritis & Rheumatology has revealed that weight loss following treatment with anti-obesity medications is associated with a reduced risk of developing gout and experiencing recurrent gout flares among individuals living with overweight or obesity.

Led by Dr Jie Wei and Dr Yilun Wang, the population-based cohort study analysed data from The Health Improvement Network, focusing on individuals aged 18 and older who initiated treatment with the anti-obesity medication Orlistat.

Researchers categorised participants into groups based on their weight loss rate during the first year of treatment, slow, moderate and fast. Over a five-year follow-up period, the team investigated the incidence of gout and the recurrence of gout flares.

Key findings include the five-year risk of developing gout decreased as weight loss rates increased, with rates of 1.6 per cent (weight gain/stable weight), 1.5 per cent (slow loss), 1.3 per cent (moderate loss), and 1.2 per cent (fast loss). Compared to individuals with weight gain or stability, the hazard ratios for gout were 0.91, 0.82, and 0.73 for slow, moderate, and fast weight loss, respectively.

For 3,847 participants with gout at baseline, similar trends were observed, with faster weight loss correlating with fewer recurrent gout flares.

The findings suggest that achieving a higher rate of weight loss within the first year of anti-obesity treatment may substantially reduce the risk of gout and improve outcomes for those already managing the condition. This reinforces the importance of targeted weight management strategies in addressing gout risk factors.

While the study highlights the potential benefits of weight loss, the researchers note that additional studies are needed to explore underlying mechanisms and to evaluate the role of other anti-obesity medications in gout prevention and management.