Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by a buildup of excess uric acid in your body.

Your body naturally makes uric acid when it breaks down chemicals called purines found in certain foods and drinks. Your kidneys usually filter uric acid out of your blood, and then it leaves your body when you pee. Sometimes your body makes too much uric acid, or your kidneys don’t remove it from your blood fast enough. When your body has high levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia), uric acid crystals can build up and settle into your joints. The sharp crystals clump together and cause sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in one or more joints, most often in the big toe.
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Obesity—especially, centrally-located (visceral) obesity—greatly increases the risk.

For more information, here’s a reference sheet.

You can also read my blog The Disease of Kings (and Commoners).