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Regional | Health

Māori worst affected by gout

Malaghan Institute of Medical Research says 15% of Māori men suffered from gout, compared to up to 5% of Pākehā males, and 6% of Māori women suffered from gout, compared to 2% of Pākehā women, these findings supported by a South Auckland doctor.

According to Doctor Melanie Farr, “Our clinic is mostly Māori and Pacific Island patients and so it's pretty common.”

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the build-up of uric acid in the blood, which form crystals in the joints, and in some cases it's hereditary.

The message to Māori is clear, if you can't stand the pain change your lifestyle and seek the medical advice needed from doctors.