Sharp Rise in Gout Cases Among People in Their 20s and 30s
Importance of a Balanced Diet Highlighted
"After every workout, I ate four pieces of chicken breast and even drank a protein shake every single day."
Mr. Park (32), who has enjoyed fitness as a hobby, recently visited a hospital due to severe pain in his foot. Tests revealed that his uric acid levels were abnormally high. This was the result of believing that sufficient protein intake after strength training was essential for building muscle, leading him to consume meat and supplements daily.
Once known as a disease mainly affecting middle-aged and older adults, gout is now rapidly increasing among people in their 20s and 30s. The primary cause is cited as the increased protein intake among fitness enthusiasts.
According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service on November 7, the number of gout patients in their 20s and 30s surpassed 142,198 last year for the first time. This represents a 25% increase compared to 114,151 in 2020. While the majority of patients are still in their 40s and 50s, the rate of increase is fastest among those in their 20s and 30s.
Gout is a disease known for causing such severe pain that even a breeze can be excruciating. Excessive consumption of meat or beer, both high in purines, leads to the buildup of uric acid in the blood, increasing the risk of developing the condition.
Kang Jaeheon, Professor of Family Medicine at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, said, "Eating a lot of meat to supplement protein after exercise can increase purine intake and raise uric acid levels. It is important to reduce the intake of beer and animal protein, and to maintain a balanced diet along with regular exercise."
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