A new international study led by Tongan researcher Dr Samuela ‘Ofanoa has found that TikTok videos about gout are frequently inaccurate, misleading, and out of step with medical guidelines—potentially putting millions of people at risk of poor disease management.
Dr ‘Ofanoa, a Research Fellow at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, analysed 116 TikTok videos under the search term “gout”, which together attracted more than 426 million views. The findings were published this month in the medical journal Rheumatology Advances in Practice.
The study revealed that while 79 percent of videos discussed gout management, most focused on dietary advice and herbal remedies with limited long-term effectiveness. Only two videos mentioned urate-lowering therapy—the gold-standard treatment recommended by rheumatologists.
Nearly half of the videos addressed risk factors, but overwhelmingly blamed diet and lifestyle, while downplaying genetics, kidney function, and weight—key clinical determinants. Many promoted unverified supplements and “natural cures”, often using imagery of health professionals to boost credibility.
“TikTok has great potential as a tool to raise awareness around health issues such as gout,” Dr ‘Ofanoa said. “But our findings show that much of the content is inaccurate and reinforces stigma by framing gout as a personal choice.”
For Pacific communities, including Tongans, the implications are profound. Gout disproportionately affects Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, yet stigma and misunderstanding often prevent families from seeking timely care.
“For Pacific peoples, gout is not simply a lifestyle disease,” Dr ‘Ofanoa said. “Our bodies have evolved over centuries as wayfinding, seafaring peoples—adapted for survival in oceanic environments. These genetic factors mean we process uric acid differently.
“When TikTok videos blame diet alone, it fuels shame and stigma. We need culturally grounded education that explains the science and supports families without judgement.”
Globally, gout affects an estimated 41 million people, with around seven million new cases each year. Despite clear clinical guidelines, the condition remains poorly controlled, largely due to gaps in awareness and adherence to effective treatment.
Dr ‘Ofanoa says the study highlights an urgent opportunity for health authorities to engage Pacific and younger audiences through the same platforms they already use.
“Health professionals and organisations need to utilise the opportunity that social media presents and create engaging, evidence-based content to counter misinformation,” he said.
For Tonga and the wider Pacific, the message is clear: in the digital age, protecting public health means meeting people where they are—and ensuring that what they find is accurate, culturally grounded, and free from stigma.
