Associations of weight change patterns with hyperuricemia risk in U.S. adults

The global incidence of hyperuricemia is increasing in parallel with rising obesity rates. This study investigated the relationship between weight change patterns and the risk of hyperuricemia. Utilizing data from the NHANES, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 20,545 U.S. adults aged 40-75 years. We categorized weight changes into six patterns based on BMI measurements at baseline and 10 years prior. Hyperuricemia was defined as uric acid ≥ 7.0 mg/dL in males and ≥ 6.0 mg/dL in females. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between weight change patterns and hyperuricemia. Participants with weight gain or obesity had significantly higher odds of hyperuricemia (ORs = 2.32 [95% CI: 1.93-2.80, P < 0.001] to 4.72 [95% CI: 3.95-5.63, P < 0.001]). Those transitioning from obese to normal weight had reduced odds of hyperuricemia (OR = 0.41 [95% CI: 0.21-0.79, P = 0.008]). A nonlinear relationship between BMI percentage change and hyperuricemia was observed, with a change of ≥ 6% associated with a higher OR of 6.72 (95% CI 3.76-12.02, P < 0.001). The impact was more pronounced in females. This study provides evidence for a significant nonlinear relationship between weight change and hyperuricemia, emphasizing the need for gender-specific, tailored weight management strategies.