Obesity and Headache/Migraine : The Importance of Weight Reduction through Lifestyle Modifications

• Published in: BioMed research international Vol. 2014; no. 2014; pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: Verrotti, Alberto, Di Fonzo, Alessia, Penta, Laura, Agostinelli, Sergio, Parisi, Pasquale
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cairo, Egypt Hindawi Puplishing Corporation 01.01.2014; Hindawi Publishing Corporation; John Wiley & Sons, Inc
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Body mass index; Causality; Cohort analysis; Combined Modality Therapy; Cross-sectional studies; Diagnosis; Diet, Reducing - statistics & numerical data; Exercise Therapy - statistics & numerical data; Female; Headaches; Health aspects; Humans; Longitudinal studies; Male; Migraine; Migraine Disorders - epidemiology; Migraine Disorders - prevention & control; Motor Activity; Obesity; Obesity - epidemiology; Obesity - prevention & control; Overweight; Pediatrics; Prevalence; PubMed - statistics & numerical data; Review; Risk Factors; Risk Reduction Behavior; Treatment Outcome; Weight control; Weight Loss; Weight Reduction Programs - statistics & numerical data; Young Adult; Italy
• ISSN: 2314-6133; 2314-6141; 2314-6141
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/420858

The aim of this study is to determine a possible relationship between prevalence, frequency, and severity of migraine and obesity. All pertinent data from the literature have been critically examined and reviewed in order to assess the possible relationship between obesity and migraine, in particular migraine frequency and disability in children, as well as in adult population studies. Prevalence, frequency, and severity of migraine appear to increase in relation to the body mass index, although this evidence is not supported by all the studies examined. Data from literature suggest that obesity can be linked with migraine prevalence, frequency, and disability both in pediatric and adult subjects. These data have important clinical implications and suggest that clinicians should have a special interest for weight reduction of obese children suffering from migraine, prescribing and supporting intensive lifestyle modifications (dietary, physical activities, and behavioral) for the patient and the entire family.