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  • Does Being Overweight Increase Migraine Episodes?
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Ask An Expert

Does Being Overweight Increase Migraine Episodes?

Mark Saleh

Mark Saleh, M.D.

Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Question:

I'm a woman (45) who gets frequent migraines. I'm also about 40 pounds overweight. I read somewhere that being overweight might actually increase the number of migraines that I get. Is this true, and would losing weight help?

Answer:

Research has shown a link between being overweight and migraines -  headache frequency and severity are increased. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the link, including biological, behavioral and psychological factors. Recent data suggest that weight loss may improve migraine. 

Some activities you might chose to help lose weight are known to improve migraine. For example, regular aerobic exercise can improve migraine. It is thought that this occurs due to the release of endorphins. Dietary restriction may help identify food triggers. Also, some migraine preventive medication treatments, such as Topamax and melatonin, may cause weight loss. You should review the pros and cons of these options with your doctor.

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Back to Migraines and Headaches

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