Gout and Excess Weight
At Harvey Brooker Weight Loss for Men we have helped thousands of Toronto men lose weight long-term and lower their risk of developing or worsening gout.
Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, resulting in swelling, redness, and intense pain. Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing gout due to the increased production of uric acid and reduced kidney function in eliminating it.
Stages of Gout
Gout can be classified into four stages:
- Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is the initial stage of gout, in which there are no symptoms or signs of inflammation. In this stage, blood uric acid levels are elevated, but the individual does not experience any joint pain or discomfort. Although there is no apparent inflammation or joint damage during this stage, it is crucial to monitor and manage high uric acid levels to prevent the progression to symptomatic gout.
- Acute Gout (Gout Attack) stage is characterized by sudden, severe joint pain, redness, warmth, and swelling. This stage usually begins with an abrupt gout attack, often occurring at night or early morning, and may be triggered by factors such as alcohol consumption, dietary changes, or physical stress. The pain typically reaches its peak within 24 hours and may last for several days or weeks. If left untreated, gout attacks may become more frequent and severe over time.
- Intercritical Gout (Gout-free Interval) is the period between gout attacks, during which there are no symptoms, and the individual is free from joint pain and inflammation. However, despite the absence of symptoms, low-grade inflammation may persist, leading to progressive joint damage. Intercritical gout periods may last for months or years, and the duration may vary among individuals. Over time, the intervals between gout attacks may become shorter, and the severity of the attacks may increase.
- Chronic Tophaceous Gout is the most severe and advanced stage of the disease, which occurs after years of uncontrolled gout. In this stage, uric acid crystals accumulate and form nodules called tophi in the joints, soft tissues, and other organs. Tophi can cause joint deformities, chronic pain, and loss of joint function. Additionally, chronic tophaceous gout can lead to kidney stones and kidney damage due to the high levels of uric acid. This stage is relatively rare, as most individuals receive appropriate treatment to manage their gout before it progresses to this severity.
Common Issues Associated with Gout
Gout can lead to various challenges and complications, including:
- Severe joint pain: Gout attacks can cause intense pain, making it difficult to perform daily activities and maintain an active lifestyle.
- Chronic inflammation: Persistent high uric acid levels can lead to chronic inflammation, which can damage joints and cause long-term pain and stiffness.
- Joint deformity: In advanced cases, gout can cause joint deformities, leading to loss of function and mobility.
- Kidney stones: High uric acid levels associated with gout can also increase the risk of developing kidney stones, which can cause severe pain and complications if left untreated.
Gout in Men
Men with gout face unique challenges and concerns, such as:
- Higher prevalence: Men are more likely to be affected by gout than women, particularly those with obesity, which can further increase the risk.
- Earlier onset: Gout tends to develop earlier in men than in women, with the highest incidence occurring between the ages of 30 and 50.
- Delayed diagnosis: Men may be less likely to seek medical help for joint pain and swelling, potentially delaying the diagnosis and treatment of gout.
- Lifestyle factors: Men may be more prone to adopting unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as poor diet and alcohol consumption, which can contribute to obesity and increase the risk of gout.
How We Help Men Improve Conditions Like Gout in Toronto
Losing weight can have a significant impact on improving gout, as it can reduce uric acid levels, decrease inflammation, improve mobility and functionality, and enhance overall health. We help overweight men manage their health issues by eating better without going hungry and developing healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Personalized Support: We offer both online and in-person support, as well as group and personal coaching. No matter the format, our members receive the motivation, support, and guidance they need to succeed.
Unique Eating Plan: Our easy-to-follow 20/20 Healthy Eating Plan™ is tailored just for men and it uses a calculated unit system that will help you understand portion control and make better eating choices without going hungry. Everything can be purchased at your local supermarket.
Accountability: Our program helps members stay on track through regular check-ins and support.
Proven Success: We have helped thousands of men regain their health since 1985. Take a look at our Google reviews!
Attend a free meeting and see why our program has provided consistent and lasting success for our members.
If You Could Do It Alone, You Would Have Done It Already.

Toronto Men Who Have Lost Weight with Us
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They deliver on value and commitment to help achieve my goal of living a healthy lifestyle
Fortunato Pitaro
August 11, 2024
“If you could do it alone, you would have done it already”…..With this mantra, Harvey Brooker captured the essence of our weakness. We don’t read instructions; we don’t ask for... read more directions, and we don’t like to ask for help. Harvey’s insight into how we think resulted in the creation of organization that has helped men regain their health by replacing unhealthy practices with a simple easy to follow dietary program that we can choose to follow for the rest of our lives. Make the decision to discover how men like you can succeed on your weight loss journey. You will be inspired by individuals who have who have lost staggering numbers of pounds with the support of the Brooker team and with the support of individuals like you in attendance at weekly meetings. Whether it is your goal to lose 20 or 200 pounds, you will be welcomed by a community of like-minded individuals, who realize that regardless of your situation…..”If you could do it alone. You would have done it already.”
Allan West
November 11, 2023
I joined the Harvey program last fall. It's not a trendy diet thing, it's a bunch of guys getting together to deal with a common issue. The leaders... read more / speakers are all program members, and the success stories are very inspiring! It's the first time I've actually been able to change my lifestyle in a healthier direction that I can maintain. There's no hype or 'get skinny quick' nonsense here, it's the opposite of that. I'm down 25 lbs and I'm not done yet. It's a journey, with ups and downs 'cuz we're all human, but this has been a game-changer for me. Excellent, supportive group of guys to help you deal with weight issues. Highly recommend. "If you could do it alone, you would have done it already."
North GTA
March 11, 2024
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My son and I joined the Harvey Brooker program on July 11, 2023 and to date each of us has lost over 25 lbs each. The group meetings are... read more very positive and Noah has helped watch that my son has attended the weekly meetings online since returning to University away from home. I can say if you follow the program you will definitely lose at least 2 pounds per weak…..that is without any exercise……put in some exercise and that goes up to 4 to 5 lbs per week. Save your life or Join up with a loved one and save 2 lives…..If you could have done it alone….you would have done it already…….. March 3rd update. Thought I should add an update to my last post. My son, Andy, and I have now lost 38 and 48 lbs respectively. Success cannot be bought it can only be rented and the rent is due everyday….Harvey Brooker’s team helps you to pay that rent. 21 August 2024 update. Well Google only allows 1 review per person so I will just keep adding to it. I hit my maintenance weight of 150lbs awhile back that is a loss of 41 lbs and Andy is now at 188lbs a 67 lbs loss and is addicted to the gym and is squatting and deadlifting 350 lbs. If you are reading this you must be thinking about it…so take the next step.
Grant and Joyce Hayward
September 11, 2024
I make a 2 hr drive, all the way from Collingwood to Toronto to attend the Tuesday evening Harvey Brooker meetings. People have asked me “ is nothing closer... read more to you? “ I tell them the Harvey Brooker program teaches a one of a kind healthy eating lifestyle that is specifically designed just for men, and that it has one of the highest levels of one percenters ie. men who have maintained their weight loss long term. I tell them it’s highly motivating to see a number of men attending the meetings who were once overweight but clearly aren’t anymore. And the best part is once you reach your goal weight and become a maintainer the program is free so long as you keep maintaining your weight. This makes it one of the cheapest programs available. I’m hoping to reach my high school weight of 170 within a year, and I’m half way there already! I lost 25 lbs in my first 4 months on the program.
Peter Corlett
September 11, 2024
I joined Harvey Brooker Weight for Men on May 2021. I weighed 242 lbs and felt desperate. With a diabetes 2 diagnosis and other health issues, I needed help. It... read more is now March 2024. I have lost 75 lbs and maintaining my weight going on 2 years now. I feel healthier both physically and mentally. I no longer take medications to control my diabetes. The program works. A lot of common sense and support available.
Tk fodder
April 11, 2024
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It works!
Jonathan Hines
March 11, 2024
I don't normally review things, but I gotta give 5 stars to the Brooker program. I joined in 2015 and lost 160 lbs thanks to their fantastic approach to helping... read more me understand my relationship with food. I saw lots of other guys during my weight loss who were able to go off their diabetes medication, and honestly, it just works. If you've tried other programs (as I had and gained the weight right back), I urge you to check Brooker out and see what they're all about. The people there are fantastic and they help motivate you on your journey. Thanks to the program, I was able to get off my CPAP machine and my family is very happy to have their husband/dad still around. <3 <3 <3
Foreshots Photography
April 11, 2024
This program saved my life. The Harvey Brooker program is a common sense, no nonsense, no gimmicks program for men only where we meet once a week to hear educational... read more information and a motivational talk, and hear stories from other men who've lost lots of weight. Some guys there have lost over a hundred pounds just by following the program, which is basically a food plan, coupled with the motivational guidance and support you get each week. I can’t say enough about how much I’ve learned and changed my life.
Michael Y
April 11, 2024
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My experience at Harvey Brooker has changed my life for the better. I have been with the program for 6 months and reached my target weight after losing 22lbs. When... read more I joined I had been steadily gaining weight and felt terrible. Worse than that I could see myself continuing on that path which was leading to more serious health issues and frankly a shorter life. For me, it was important to take a step towards getting my weight back down to where it should be and more importantly teaching myself new and healthier habits and mindset towards eating. In the six months I can say that with the support of Noah and the team and the other members I have done that. Attending the meetings either in person or online go a long way to staying accountable and also help with emotional support to get you through the lows and the highs. I would highly recommend this program and have already referred friends to take control of their relationship with food and weight.
George Agnew
September 11, 2024
I have thoroughly enjoyed my 7 month experience at Harvey Brooker. I have lost over 30lbs and feel I am being educated and supported to be successful at not gaining... read more new weight back. It takes effort but the results are well worth it. I would recommend to any man looking to achieve a healthier weight and lifestyle!!
Norman Shiner
November 11, 2023
A husky boy. That's what I was used to hearing while I was growing up particularly at the clothing store. That didn't make me feel great. Life... read more goes on...with a tinge of self confidence kicking me in the teeth. Then I got fat. Enough was enough. I was fit but I was fat, carrying about 40 more pounds than I should have. Yes, I tried to do it alone. Did not work. I joined Harvey Brooker and learned that there is a way to a weight that was healthy. Did it take discipline? Yes. Did it take education? Yes. Did it take support? Yes. Does it take work? Yes. Is there a magic pill? NO, well sort of - and it is called the Harvey Brooker 20/20 Weight Loss Program for Men. If you are reading this and need the most logical, supportive & cost effective approach to getting healthy for yourself, then really, this is the place and program to consider. With thanks, Rick Mamros
Rick Mamros
April 11, 2024
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The only real no gimmick weight loss program there is. Learn how to change your lifestyle to a healthy one with no special foods, no injections, supplements or gimmicks. Great... read more group support helps the process. You can do this for the rest of your life!.
Jim Walsh
April 11, 2024
A comunity of individuals who are dedicated to a lifestyle and helping others in the program.
Len Perera
August 11, 2024
I tried several different programs prior to Harvey Brooker. I had success, but ultimately failed. Once I lost the weight I wanted to, I gained it back. Quite a normal... read more thing I learned. At Harvey Brooker, I learned to take the weight off and keep it off. The presentations and meetings are very informative and supportive. Having all men at the meetings is a bonus for me. We all have the same challenges and issues. I'm glad I started at Harvey Brooker (May 2018), and would recommend the program to anyone. Please check it out, you will not regret it!
Chris Page
November 11, 2023
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No gimmicks or other nonsense. Excellent non-judgemental support from both staff and other participants. Food plan is easy to follow. It is all about change to our lifestyle - not... read more a diet centre. This place transforms lives. Check it out!
Jack Kugelmass
September 11, 2024
If you have struggled with weight gain, are a male, and wish to really make progress, Harvey Brooker is for you. It is not a quick fix, but rather... read more a lifetime approach to staying trim and healthy. The Sunday morning Power Hour is an essential tool to your success. All men, who understand the temptations to gaining weight. You progress through a week to week program charting your eating, and making losing those excess pounds easier. It is always challenging, but if you want to be part of a life changing program HB is for you. As they say "I don't eat like that anymore".
Tim Topornicki
November 11, 2023
I have kept a 50 lb. loss off for over 3- years. I've learned how to eat properly and developed a new life style. Extremely happy with the program... read more and the company.
Bill Drew
August 11, 2024
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