We investigated the associations between obesity parameters and the risk of hyperuricemia among Korean adults by sex, age, and diabetes mellitus status.

This study analyzed data from 17,753 adults from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2016–2018. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and general and abdominal obesity with the risk of hyperuricemia (serum uric acid ≥7.0 mg/dL in men and ≥6.0 mg/dL in women).

Of all the participants, 12.7% (n = 2256) had hyperuricemia. The age-adjusted mean serum uric acid levels increased significantly with increasing BMI and WC (P for trend <0.001). The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of hyperuricemia increased as BMI and WC increased in both sexes (P for trend <0.001). General (OR 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.69–2.32) and abdominal (OR 2.21, 95% CI: 1.89–2.58) obesity in men and general (OR 3.26, 95% CI: 2.60–4.09) and abdominal (OR 3.43, 95% CI: 2.69–4.37) obesity in women were associated with higher risks of hyperuricemia. These associations were prominent in women. The association between abdominal obesity and hyperuricemia persisted after additional adjustments for BMI in both sexes. Significant interactions were observed in younger adults and individuals without diabetes mellitus.

Increased BMI and WC, and general and abdominal obesity, may be important risk factors for hyperuricemia in both sexes. Women, young adults, and individuals without diabetes mellitus require particular attention to prevent obesity and hyperuricemia.