Obesity may boost migraine risk

February 13, 2009 People aged 20 to 55 who were obese were more likely to report migraines or other severe headaches.

Thirty-seven percent of overweight women reported experiencing such headaches, compared to 29 percent of those who were not overweight. Twenty percent of overweight men reported migraines, compared to 16 percent who were not overweight.

The study found that after age 55 the increased risk of migraines for obese people was no longer present.

The finding will be presented at an upcoming meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Seattle.