Gout, a painful form of arthritis historically associated with excess, is seeing a significant increase in younger adults, with a growing theory linking the trend to the rising popularity of meat-heavy diets like the carnivore diet. Cases among individuals aged 10 to 24 have increased by over 20 percent in recent decades, and global gout burden is projected to rise by 70 percent by 2050.
The carnivore diet, which emphasizes consuming only meat, has gained traction on social media platforms, attracting young men seeking weight loss and performance enhancements. Videos related to the diet under hashtags like #carnivorediet have garnered hundreds of millions of views. This dietary trend coincides with a record $112 billion in meat sales in 2025, driven largely by younger generations.
Red meat is rich in purines, compounds that break down into uric acid. When uric acid levels become too high, they can form sharp, needle-like crystals in the joints, most commonly the big toe, leading to sudden, severe pain, swelling, and redness – the hallmarks of a gout attack. Podiatrist Dr. Mike Daniels noted an increase in young men with gout and believes meat-heavy diets could be a contributing factor. "Lately, it seems like I’m seeing more young men with gout, and I do think meat-heavy diets can be part of the story," Daniels stated.
Beyond gout, excess uric acid can also lead to kidney stones, causing significant pain and urinary issues. "There exists case-based evidence that has raised red flags about increased uric acid and kidney stone risk after switching to all-meat-eating diets," Daniels added.
Globally, gout cases have more than doubled since 1990, from approximately 22 million to 55.8 million in 2020. The United States experienced a sharper rise, with a 76.6 percent increase during the same period. Young men are disproportionately affected, being more than four times as likely to have gout as young women, a gap that is widening. Wealthier nations, including the U.S. and Canada, report the highest rates.
Personal accounts shared on social media and online forums corroborate the potential link. Users describe experiencing severe gout flare-ups after adopting a carnivore diet. One individual reported an attack affecting multiple joints after initially feeling positive effects from the diet. Another noted increased uric acid levels and joint pain while on a strict carnivore regimen.
Research further supports the association. A 2018 meta-analysis indicated that red meat consumption is linked to a 29 percent higher risk of gout. Early-onset gout patients, diagnosed before age 40, have been shown to consume significantly more red meat compared to those diagnosed later in life. A 2022 study found that early-onset gout cases were associated with higher uric acid levels, obesity, and greater red meat consumption, with 44 percent of early-onset patients consuming 101 to 200 grams of red meat daily, compared to 26 percent of later-onset patients.
Dietary guidelines in the U.S. have seen shifts. While previous guidelines recommended reducing saturated fats, including red meat, in favor of plant-based foods, the 2025-2030 guidelines, influenced by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have inverted the food pyramid, placing red meat, cheese, and other proteins at the top. This approach encourages prioritizing protein-rich foods, a stance that diverges from recommendations by organizations like the American Heart Association.
Experts emphasize that gout is often preventable through lifestyle changes. Reducing red meat intake, limiting alcohol and sugary drinks, and staying hydrated can significantly mitigate the risk. "Diet and lifestyle changes are the first line of defense," said Dr. Daniels. "Gout doesn't have to be inevitable."