when I got gout the first time I had actually just lost nearly 40 lbs, and was in the best condition that I had been in since I was a kid.  I had a gout flare up about every 2 years until just last year and a half.  Then it became a realy problem.  I know I need to change my eating habits.  i have cut way back on the beer (one or two a month) and watching how much high fat food.  I have had to start taking meds for a couple of things in the last year,and that is a sign I needt o make some changes.  Criveraville, you are right, I have never had such a pain as when gout flares up.