Body Composition Affects Migraine Risk
Obesity and underweight are both associated with an increased risk for migraine, according to the results of a recent study.
In order to evaluate the association between migraine and body composition, researchers conducted a systematic electronic database search, identifying 12 relevant studies involving 288,981 participants. Obesity was defined as having a BMI of 30 kg/m2 and underweight was defined as a BMI lower than 18.5 kg/m2.
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Overall, the age- and sex-adjusted pooled risk of migraine in obese participants was 27% higher than in those of normal weight, and in underweight individuals it was 13% higher in than those of normal weight. Both remained increased following multivariate adjustments. Risk was also increased in overweight individuals, however, significance was lost after multivariate adjustments.
“The current body of evidence shows that the risk of migraine is increased in obese and underweight individuals. Studies are needed to confirm whether interventions that modify obesity status decrease the risk of migraine,” they concluded.
—Michael Potts
Reference:
Gelaye B, Sacco S, Brown WJ, et al. Body composition status and the risk of migraine [published online April 12, 2017]. doi: dx.doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000003919.